desperately

Meaning

In a way that shows great need or desire, often with little hope.

Examples

• She desperately tried to reach the phone before it stopped ringing.
• The team fought desperately to score a goal in the final minutes of the game.

Pronunciation: /ˈdɛspərətli/

How to Use desperately

desperately + verb (collocation)

To perform an action with intense need or desire. — "He desperately clung to the hope that she would return."

Synonyms of desperately

Words with a similar meaning to desperately:

• urgently
• eagerly
• frantically
• ardently

Antonyms of desperately

Words with the opposite meaning to desperately:

• calmly
• patiently