desperation
[/ˌdɛspəˈreɪʃən/]
nounfemininepl: desperations (rarely used in plural)
desespero
1. a state of despair and hopelessness; the condition of having lost all hope
In desperation, she called out for help.
Em desespero, ela gritou pedindo ajuda.
2. reckless or dangerous behavior resulting from a loss of hope
He made a desperate move in desperation to save his business.
Ele fez um movimento desesperado em desespero para salvar seu negócio.
3. an extreme need or urgency
The refugees' desperation to find shelter was evident.
O desespero dos refugiados em encontrar abrigo era evidente.
In both American and Brazilian cultures, 'desperation' carries strong emotional weight and is often associated with dramatic situations in news, literature, and film. In Brazil, 'desespero' is frequently used in everyday language to express extreme stress or urgency, even in less critical situations. The word reflects universal human experiences but is particularly prominent in narratives about social inequality, economic hardship, and personal crises in both cultures.
NYC Slang
straight-up panic mode / losing it
Related Idioms & Phrases
out of desperation
in an act of desperation
desperation moves
desespero leva a loucura (desperation leads to madness)
no desespero da situação (in the desperation of the situation)
Look up more words on Fala2Me
The free English-Portuguese dictionary with real Brazilian accents, NYC slang, conjugator and more
Open Fala2Me →