# desperately

**Pronunciation:** /ˈdɛspərətli/ · DES-per-it-lee

**CEFR level:** B2

**Part of speech:** adverb

## 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.
- After losing his job, he desperately needed to find new employment to support his family.

## Synonyms

- urgently — With a sense of immediate importance.
- eagerly — With strong enthusiasm and anticipation.
- frantically — In a wild, uncontrolled, or hurried way because of fear, anxiety, or other strong emotions.
- ardently — With intense passion or enthusiasm.

## Antonyms

- calmly — Without agitation or excitement.
- patiently — With tolerance and without complaint.

## Common patterns

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

## Collocations

- desperately need — I desperately need a vacation after this busy period.
- desperately want — She desperately wants to win the competition.
- desperately try — They desperately tried to find a solution to the problem.

Canonical URL: https://anaversity.com/dictionary/english/desperately

[Browse the English learner dictionary](https://anaversity.com/dictionary/english)