desideratum

[ dih-sid-uh-rey-tuhm, -rah-, -zid- ]

noun

, plural de·sid·er·a·ta [dih-sid-, uh, -, rey, -t, uh, -, rah, -, -zid-].

1. something wanted or needed.

desideratum

/ dɪˌzɪdəˈrɑːtəm /

noun

1. something lacked and wanted

Word History and Origins

Origin of desideratum¹

First recorded in 1645–55; from Latin, noun use of neuter past participle of dēsīderāre; desiderate

Word History and Origins

Origin of desideratum¹

C17: from Latin; see desiderate

Example Sentences

In other words, the insurance industry is calling for that great progressive desideratum: a huge, global public-works program.

From The Daily Beast

The greatest desideratum of fiscal hawks is for the government to take in as much money as it spends.

From The Daily Beast

To produce and to sell securities in the greatest possible quantity—that was the desideratum.'

From The Daily Beast

Now this expedience is the desideratum to be sought, either without the experience of means, or with that experience.

From Project Gutenberg

If there be a moral, a political equality, this is the desideratum in our Constitution, and in every Constitution in the world.

From Project Gutenberg

Fine binding is a desideratum, and, for its cost, that of the Procrustes could not be improved upon.

From Project Gutenberg

But this would not hinder the new experiment from becoming insignificant in its turn and giving place to a new desideratum.

From Project Gutenberg

Scarcely any of these are now out of employment; and we are in possession of his desideratum.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• concern
• condition
• demand
• need
• obligation
• precondition
• prerequisite
• provision
• qualification
• specification
• stipulation