desperately

[ des-per-it-lee, -prit- ]

adverb

1. in a reckless or dangerous way because of hopelessness or urgency:

   In the movie, he’s the object of an intense police manhunt and scrambles desperately around Belfast trying to escape.

2. in a way that shows urgent need or desire:

   He is highly motivated to put his all into everything he does, trying desperately to prove himself.

3. to a very serious or dangerous degree that leaves little hope:

   People without medical insurance may often suffer without care until they are desperately ill.

4. extremely or excessively:

   My weekend will be desperately dull, as I've been on vacation all week and have to catch up with work.

Other Words From

• qua·si-des·per·ate·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of desperately¹

desperate ( def ) + -ly

Example Sentences

The desperately poor Greek performance in front of their own feverish fans, such a sharp contrast to their outstanding efforts at Wembley, must provide context to the assessment of England's own display.

From BBC

Some of it should be spent to provide a lot of these desperately needed beds.

From Los Angeles Times

"We desperately need more people to join the profession, but the reality is nursing numbers are going in the wrong direction."

From BBC

He said the Budget created a "worrying" backdrop for businesses at a time when economic growth is desperately needed.

From BBC

“We all desperately need friends and underestimate how important friends are,” says Elliot.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• badly
• dangerously
• fiercely
• greatly
• perilously
• seriously