The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 11 letter word DESPERATELY
D
E
S
P
E
R
A
T
E
L
Y
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "showing hopelessness" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case showing hopelessness = desperately.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does DESPERATELY mean?
DESPERATELY adverb- In a desperate manner; without regard to danger or safety; recklessly.
- Extremely