Dictionary
des•per•ate
Pronunciation: (des'pur-it, -prit), [key]—
adj.
1. reckless or dangerous because of despair or urgency:
a desperate killer.
2. having an urgent need, desire, etc.:
desperate for attention.
3. leaving little or no hope; very serious or dangerous:
a desperate illness.
4. extremely bad; intolerable or shocking:
clothes in desperate taste.
5. extreme or excessive.
6. making a final, ultimate effort; giving all:
a desperate attempt to save a life.
7. actuated by a feeling of hopelessness.
8. having no hope; giving in to despair.
—
n.
Obs.a desperado.
Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease.