desperation

Everyday

Desperation is the feeling of having almost no hope, which makes you willing to try anything, even something risky. tree →

In the lessons

In stories, characters act «in desperation» or «out of desperation», trying a last wild idea. In The Wind in the Willows Toad in desperation escapes from prison dressed as a washerwoman. In everyday life, «in desperation I asked my little brother» means you had no better choice.

Examples

• In desperation, the lost boy shouted for help. tree →
• Out of desperation, Toad dressed up as a washerwoman. tree →
• There was desperation in her voice. tree →
• The hungry fox raided the bins in desperation. tree →
• In desperation, he tried the last key. tree →
• The team played with desperation in the final minutes. tree →
• In desperation, he returned home and knocked at the door. tree →

Note

Uncountable. From «desperate». Phrases: «in desperation», «out of desperation». Do not confuse with «despair» (giving up hope completely), though they are close.