adj. 1 reckless from despair; violent and lawless. 2 a extremely dangerous or serious (a desperate situation). b staking all on a small chance (a desperate remedy). 3 very bad (a desperate night; desperate poverty). 4 (usu. foll. by for) needing or desiring very much (desperate for recognition). desperately adv. desperateness n. desperation n.
[ ME f. L desperatus past part. of desperare (as DE-, sperare hope) ]