Learn how to use the comparative “more desperate” and superlative “most desperate” with example sentences and differences.

What is the comparative form of “desperate”?

The comparative form of “desperate” is “more desperate”.

Example

He seemed more desperate to find a job after losing his previous one.

Example

The situation became more desperate as the days went by.

What is the superlative form of “desperate”?

The superlative form of “desperate” is “most desperate”.

Example

Among all the contestants, she was the most desperate to win the competition.

Example

The family's financial situation was the most desperate they had ever experienced.

Why is this expression not used with most, more?

"Most" and "more" are used with "desperate" to form the comparatives and superlatives. The forms "more desperate" and "most desperate" are commonly used to indicate a higher degree of desperation.

Does this expression have an irregular comparative/superlative form?

"Desperate" follows the regular pattern of using "more" and "most" for forming comparatives and superlatives.

Expressions with similar meanings to “more desperate”

more urgent

Used to describe something that requires immediate attention or action.

Example

The need for medical supplies became more urgent as the number of patients increased.

more hopeless

Used to indicate a higher level of despair or lack of hope.

Example

The situation seemed more hopeless with each passing day.

Expressions with similar meanings to “most desperate”

most urgent

Used to describe something that requires immediate attention or action.

Example

The patient's condition was the most urgent in the emergency room.

most hopeless

Used to indicate the highest level of despair or lack of hope.

Example

The refugees faced the most hopeless situation imaginable.

Using than with comparative “more desperate”

When using the comparative form "more desperate" to compare two things, you would use "than" to connect the two parts of the comparison: Example: "He seemed more desperate to find a job after losing his previous one." Here, "than" is used to show that the level of desperation in the first situation is higher than the level of desperation in the second situation.

How can I use this expression in context?

“more desperate” and “most desperate” can be used in a variety of situations to compare speed.

• 1. Job Search

  She became more desperate to find employment as her savings dwindled.

  She became more desperate to find employment as her savings dwindled.

• 2. Financial Situation

  Their financial situation became the most desperate they had ever faced.

  Their financial situation became the most desperate they had ever faced.

• 3. Emergency

  The doctor attended to the most desperate cases first.

  The doctor attended to the most desperate cases first.

• 4. Survival

  In a life-or-death situation, people may become more desperate to survive.

  In a life-or-death situation, people may become more desperate to survive.

Related idioms and phrases

In dire straits

In an extremely difficult or desperate situation.

Example

The company is in dire straits and may have to lay off employees.

Last-ditch effort

A final attempt made in a desperate or hopeless situation.

Example

They made a last-ditch effort to save their failing business.