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Definition of desperately

desperately

/ˈdɛs.pɚ.ət.li/
des · per · ate · ly
Adjective:desperate
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desperately Lexical Profile

desperately Game Scores & Validity

• adverb

1

In a way that shows despair, extreme urgency, or a loss of hope, often leading to frantic or reckless action.

Example

"The stranded hikers signaled desperately as the rescue helicopter flew overhead."

2

To an extreme or critical degree; gravely, severely, or very much.

Example

"The rural clinic is desperately short of essential medical supplies."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
View all antonyms for desperately

• Nearby Words

despairingly
desperado
desperate
desperately
desperateness
desperation
despicable

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed from the adjective 'desperate' plus the adverbial suffix '-ly', ultimately tracing back to the Latin 'desperatus' ('given up on'), the past participle of 'desperare' ('to lose hope'), from 'de-' (without) and 'sperare' (to hope).

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Desperately. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/desperately
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