noun
reek of desperation; feeling of desperation
Describes a state or atmosphere where someone's desperation is palpable. Often used when a person's actions or demeanor clearly show they are at their wit's end.
彼の話し方にはヤケ気味なところがあった。
There was a hint of desperation in the way he spoke.
就活が長引いて、最近やけ気味だ。
My job hunt has dragged on, and lately I'm starting to feel desperate.
やけくそ is a stronger, more colloquial noun/adjective meaning 'desperation' or 'recklessness from despair', often used in phrases like やけくそになる. やけ気味 is milder, suggesting a touch or tendency toward desperation.
自暴自棄 is a formal four-character compound meaning 'abandonment to despair' or 'total desperation'. やけ気味 is more casual and describes a less extreme state.
Combines やけ (desperation, from the verb やける meaning 'to be desperate' or 'to become reckless') with 気味 (ぎみ, 'tendency' or 'touch of'). The kanji 自棄 and 焼け are ateji; the origin of やけ itself is uncertain.