despondent, despairing, desperate, hopeless mean having lost all or nearly all hope. despondent implies a deep dejection arising from a conviction of the uselessness of further effort. despondent about yet another rejection; despairing suggests the slipping away of all hope and often despondency. read more
reckless or dangerous because of despair, hopelessness, or urgency: a desperate killer. having an urgent need, desire, etc.: desperate for attention; desperate to find a job. leaving little or no hope; very serious or dangerous: a desperate illness. read more