desperate

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Things have become so desperate some mothers have suggested they'd allow their children to go home without them – though Rifi says that's an unthinkable solution.

From BBC • May 8, 2026

“Understandably at that time, we were desperate to keep ourselves and our loved ones safe — so health and longevity were at the forefront of our minds,” writes Caroline Tien for SELF.

From Salon • May 7, 2026

He launched CNN in 1980 in a desperate bid to create a national 24-hour news channel before the broadcast titans ABC, NBC and CBS — and their gargantuan budgets — could beat him to it.

From Los Angeles Times • May 6, 2026

In a damp back alley, Jingjing joined job-seekers milling about leisurely, haggling for higher wages while garment bosses perched on scooters brandished hiring signs, desperate for day labourers.

From Barron's • May 6, 2026

To his right, an asphalt lot in desperate need of repair.

From "Legendary Frybread Drive-In" by Cynthia Leitich Smith