How to Pronounce Desperate

To pronounce "desperate", say DESP-er-at-e — 4 syllables, IPA /ˈdɛspɝɪt/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

desperate

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Accent

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4

Syllables

9

Letters

/ˈdɛspɝɪt/

🇺🇸 IPA (US)

/dˈɛspəɹət/

🇬🇧 IPA (UK)

💡 Tip for remembering “desperate”

"desperate" has 4 syllables: desp-er-at-e.

What does desperate mean?

noun

  1. A person in desperate circumstances or who is at the point of desperation, such as a down-and-outer, addict, etc.

adjective

  1. In dire need of something.

    “I hadn't eaten in two days and was desperate for food.”

  2. Being filled with, or in a state of despair; hopeless.

    “I was so desperate at one point, I even went to see a loan shark.”

Related words

despairingdirehopelessdangerousunsafebravecourageouscritical

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "desperate"?▾

"Desperate" has 4 syllables: desp · er · at · e.

What is the IPA transcription of "desperate"?▾

The IPA transcription of "desperate" is /ˈdɛspɝɪt/.

What does "desperate" mean?▾

Desperate: A person in desperate circumstances or who is at the point of desperation, such as a down-and-outer, addict, etc.

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