desesperado

desperate

adjective deh-seh-peh-RAH-doh Rare

Also means

hopeless

Usage Note

Desesperado functions as both adjective and past participle of desesperar (to despair). When used with estar it describes an emotional state: estoy desesperado (I'm desperate). The adverb desesperadamente (desperately) and the noun desesperación are closely related. A false-friend caution: English 'desperate' can mean merely 'very keen', but Spanish desesperado always implies genuine despair or loss of hope.

Examples

"Estaba desesperado después de perder su trabajo."

Natural Translation

He was desperate after losing his job.

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