desperate

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

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.C.Marshall

showing extreme urgency or intensity especially because of great need or desire

felt a desperate urge to confess

a desperate need for recognition

arising from or marked by despair or loss of hope

a despairing view of the world situation

the last despairing plea of the condemned criminal

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

a person who is frightened and in need of help

they prey on the hopes of the desperate