Synonyms for desperate

Synonyms for (noun) desperate

Synonyms: desperate

Definition: a person who is frightened and in need of help

Usage: they prey on the hopes of the desperate

Similar words: unfortunate, unfortunate person

Definition: a person who suffers misfortune


Synonyms for (adj) desperate

Synonyms: desperate, heroic

Definition: showing extreme courage; especially of actions courageously undertaken in desperation as a last resort

Usage: made a last desperate attempt to reach the climber; the desperate gallantry of our naval task forces marked the turning point in the Pacific war- G.C.Marshall; they took heroic measures to save his life

Similar words: courageous, brave

Definition: possessing or displaying courage; able to face and deal with danger or fear without flinching

Usage: Familiarity with danger makes a brave man braver but less daring- Herman Melville; a frank courageous heart...triumphed over pain- William Wordsworth; set a courageous example by leading them safely into and out of enemy-held territory


Synonyms: dire, desperate

Definition: fraught with extreme danger; nearly hopeless

Usage: a desperate illness; on all fronts the Allies were in a desperate situation due to lack of materiel- G.C.Marshall; a dire emergency

Similar words: critical

Definition: being in or verging on a state of crisis or emergency

Usage: a critical shortage of food; a critical illness; an illness at the critical stage


Synonyms: desperate

Definition: showing extreme urgency or intensity especially because of great need or desire

Usage: felt a desperate urge to confess; a desperate need for recognition

Similar words: imperative

Definition: requiring attention or action

Usage: as nuclear weapons proliferate, preventing war becomes imperative; requests that grew more and more imperative


Synonyms: despairing, desperate

Definition: arising from or marked by despair or loss of hope

Usage: a despairing view of the world situation; the last despairing plea of the condemned criminal; a desperate cry for help; helpless and desperate--as if at the end of his tether; her desperate screams

Similar words: hopeless

Definition: without hope because there seems to be no possibility of comfort or success

Usage: in an agony of hopeless grief; with a hopeless sigh he sat down


Synonyms: do-or-die, desperate

Definition: desperately determined

Usage: do-or-die revolutionaries; a do-or-die conflict

Similar words: resolute

Definition: firm in purpose or belief; characterized by firmness and determination

Usage: stood resolute against the enemy; faced with a resolute opposition; a resolute and unshakeable faith


Synonyms: desperate

Definition: (of persons) dangerously reckless or violent as from urgency or despair

Usage: a desperate criminal; taken hostage of desperate men

Similar words: dangerous, unsafe

Definition: involving or causing danger or risk; liable to hurt or harm

Usage: a dangerous criminal; a dangerous bridge; unemployment reached dangerous proportions


Visual thesaurus for desperate