Learn the meaning of desperate as an adjective to describe a bad situation, a strong need or desire, or a reckless act. See synonyms, examples, pronunciation and word origin of desperate . DESPERATE definition : 1. very serious or bad: 2. very great or extreme: 3. needing or wanting something very much: . Learn more. Define desperate . desperate synonyms, desperate pronunciation, desperate translation, English dictionary definition of desperate . rash, frantic, hopeless, desolate: The situation seemed desperate . desperate meaning , definition , what is desperate : willing to do anything to change a very ...: Learn more.