Yes, desperate is a Scrabble word!

Adjective

1. Arising from or marked by despair or loss of hope

2. Desperately determined

3. (of persons) dangerously reckless or violent as from urgency or despair

4. Showing extreme courage; especially of actions courageously undertaken in desperation as a last resort

5. Showing extreme urgency or intensity especially because of great need or desire

6. Fraught with extreme danger; nearly hopeless

Noun

1. A person who is frightened and in need of help