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Definition of desperateness

desperateness

/ˈdɛs.pɚ.ət.nəs/
des · per · ate · ness
Adverb:desperately
•
Adjective:desperate
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desperateness Lexical Profile

desperateness Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

The state or quality of being desperate; a feeling of extreme urgency, hopelessness, or despair that often drives reckless or extreme behavior.

Example

"The sheer desperateness of the stranded hikers' situation became clear as winter storms approached the mountain pass."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for desperateness
Antonyms
View all antonyms for desperateness

Word Nuance & Usage

While grammatically valid, 'desperateness' is much less common in contemporary English than 'desperation', though it is occasionally used to emphasize the specific quality or behavioral state of being desperate rather than the emotion of despair itself.

• Nearby Words

desperado
desperate
desperately
desperateness
desperation
despicable
despicably

Cite this Entry

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