/ Dictionary / Index D desperate: Meaning and Definition of Find definitions for: des•per•ate Pronunciation: (des'pur-it, -prit), [key] — adj. reckless or dangerous because of despair or urgency: a desperate killer. having an urgent need, desire, etc.: desperate for attention. leaving little or no hope; very serious or dangerous: a desperate illness. extremely bad; intolerable or shocking: clothes in desperate taste. extreme or excessive. making a final, ultimate effort; giving all: a desperate attempt to save a life. actuated by a feeling of hopelessness. having no hope; giving in to despair. —n. a desperado. Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease. See also: desperate (Thesaurus) desperado desperation Related Content Daily Word Quiz: digression Analogy of the Day: Today’s Analogy Spelling Bee: Today’s Spelling Bee Frequently Misspelled Words Frequently Mispronounced Words Easily Confused Words Writing & Language