Words / B1

DESP-uh-r-uh-t/ˈdespərət/

Desperate means needing something very badly, or ready to take extreme risks: desperate for staff; a desperate situation. Desperately is the adverb. Urgent is close for time. Do not call a mild wish desperate. NHS and schools: desperate shortages.

Meaning

Needing something very badly; also willing to take extreme risks.

Examples

• “Hospitals were desperate for extra night staff.”
• “It was a desperate attempt to hit the word count, which is the “extreme” sense.”

Good to know

desperate for + noun; a desperate situation / attempt. Adverb: desperately. Close (time): urgent. Not a mild preference. News: desperate shortage.

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