What does desideratum mean?
A desideratum is something that is needed, wanted, or regarded as essential — an object of desire that is often still lacking or unattained. The word comes from Latin, where desideratum means 'a thing desired', and it entered English in the seventeenth century. Today it is chiefly a formal, literary term, appearing most often in scholarly, philosophical, political, and editorial prose rather than in casual conversation. Writers typically use it to name a goal or condition whose absence is felt keenly: a stable currency might be described as the great desideratum of a struggling economy, or transparency as a desideratum of good governance. Because it implies both longing and lack, the word carries a slightly elevated, wistful connotation. Its Latin-style plural, desiderata, is better known than the singular itself, thanks in part to Max Ehrmann's popular prose poem 'Desiderata'. For writers seeking precision with a touch of formality, desideratum offers a dignified way to express what is truly wanted.
nounSomething that is needed or wanted; a thing considered essential or highly desirable.
- Something needed or wanted; a thing regarded as essential or desirable.
"A reliable public transport system remains the great desideratum of the growing city."
"Peace in the region has been a desideratum for generations of diplomats."
"In her memoir, she listed honesty as the first desideratum of any friendship."
The plural follows the Latin pattern (neuter -um → -a). It is more commonly encountered than the singular, partly due to Max Ehrmann's well-known poem 'Desiderata' (c. 1927), whose title means 'things desired'.
"Among the desiderata of modern education are curiosity, resilience, and critical thinking."
Its plural is 'desiderata' — the same Latin word that titles Max Ehrmann's beloved 1920s prose poem 'Desiderata', which literally means 'things desired'.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of desideratum
Desideratum comes from Latin, the neuter past participle of desiderare, meaning 'to desire or long for'. It was adopted into English as a noun in the early seventeenth century, retaining its Latinate sense of 'a thing desired or needed'. The same Latin verb gives English the related words desire, desirable, and desiderate. The plural form desiderata follows Latin grammar, treating desideratum as a neuter noun.
Related word forms
How desideratum is actually used
Formal and somewhat literary; rare in everyday speech but common in scholarly, philosophical, and editorial writing. Often used with the definite article ('the great desideratum'). Its Latin-style plural 'desiderata' is more widely recognized than the singular.
Easily confused with desideratum
Desideratum means something needed or desired, while deciduous describes trees or plants that shed their leaves annually.