If you are desperate, you are in such a bad situation that you are willing to try anything to change it. Troops are needed to help get food into Kosovo where people are in desperate need He made a desperate attempt to hijack a plane. + desperately des·per·ate·ly Thousands are desperately trying to leave their battered homes
(of persons) dangerously reckless or violent as from urgency or despair; "a desperate criminal"; "taken hostage of desperate men"
If you are desperate for something or desperate to do something, you want or need it very much indeed. They'd been married nearly four years and June was desperate to start a family People are desperate for him to do something. + desperately des·per·ate·ly He was a boy who desperately needed affection
(of persons) dangerously reckless or violent as from urgency or despair; "a desperate criminal"; "taken hostage of desperate men
fraught with extreme danger; nearly hopeless; "a desperate illness"; "on all fronts the Allies were in a desperate situation due to lack of materiel"- G
Marshall; "a dire emergency" showing extreme urgency or intensity especially because of great need or desire; "felt a desperate urge to confess"; "a desperate need for recognition" desperately determined; "do-or-die revolutionaries"; "a do-or-die conflict" (of persons) dangerously reckless or violent as from urgency or despair; "a desperate criminal"; "taken hostage of desperate men
showing extreme courage; especially of actions courageously undertaken in desperation as a last resort; "made a last desperate attempt to reach the climber"; "the desperate gallantry of our naval task forces marked the turning point in the Pacific war"- G C Marshall; "they took heroic measures to save his life"
Proceeding from, or suggested by, despair; without regard to danger or safety; reckless; furious; as, a desperate effort
a person who is frightened and in need of help; "they prey on the hopes of the desperate" fraught with extreme danger; nearly hopeless; "a desperate illness"; "on all fronts the Allies were in a desperate situation due to lack of materiel"- G