desperate
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Such extremes can also spur desperate pocket gophers and antelope squirrels to strip off their outer layer of bark for sustenance, which can be fatal to the trees.
From Los Angeles Times • May 19, 2026
Unsavory, sure, and illegal to boot, but desperate times call for desperate actions.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 15, 2026
The huge rise comes with investors desperate for exposure to stocks which will benefit from artificial-intelligence spending.
From Barron's • May 15, 2026
That makes it harder to call but United boss Michael Carrick will still be desperate for a strong end of the season and retain the feel-good factor at Old Trafford.
From BBC • May 14, 2026
Then when she asked me how my day was, I’d tell her, “Could you please excuse me? I have a desperate need that must be taken care of immediately.”
From "Ida B" by Katherine Hannigan
![]()
Vocabulary lists containing desperate
List 8
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
"Sorry, Wrong Number," Vocabulary from the play
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Commonly Misspelled Words, List 4
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!