A person in desperate circumstances or who is at the point of desperation, such as a down-and-outer, addict, etc.
In dire need of something.
I hadn't eaten in two days and was desperate for food.
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.
Without regard to danger or safety; reckless; furious.
a desperate effort
Beyond hope; causing despair; extremely perilous; irretrievable.
a desperate disease; desperate fortune
Extreme, in a bad sense; outrageous.
Extremely intense.