Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
Showing results for desperately. Search instead for desperatel.
Definitions

desperately

[des-per-it-lee, -prit-] / ˈdɛs pər ɪt li, -prɪt- /


ADVERB
frightfully
Synonyms
Antonyms
WEAK


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.

For 27 years, the New York Knicks tried desperately to make it back to the NBA Finals.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 31, 2026

I either overspend on food items, failing to take advantage of hidden deals as I frantically yet desperately attempt to restock my kitchen.

From Salon • May 30, 2026

He said the force was "desperately" trying to prevent these things from happening and officers were working to educate people about the dangers of open water.

From BBC • May 26, 2026

When these interventions helped my inflammation but didn’t stimulate much hair growth, I saw three additional dermatologists, desperately seeking a solution for a condition I had poured thousands of dollars into treating.

From Slate • May 23, 2026

About 200 miles from Otsuchi, the nuclear plant’s operators spent the night of the tsunami working frantically in pitch-black control rooms desperately trying to stop a chain reaction that was spinning out of control.

From "Meltdown" by Deirdre Langeland




Vocabulary lists containing desperately


Vocabulary.com logo
by dictionary.com

Look it up. Learn it forever.

Remember "desperately" for good with VocabTrainer. Expand your vocabulary effortlessly with personalized learning tools that adapt to your goals.

Take me to Vocabulary.com