Definition

Noun: 1. A state of complete emptiness, destruction, or ruin: The condition of a place that has been laid waste, is deserted, or is in decay. 2. A state of bleakness, barrenness, or lifelessness: An atmosphere or landscape that is stark, bare, and devoid of comfort or life. 3. A state of utter loneliness or misery: A profound feeling of sadness, grief, or forlornness resulting from abandonment or loss.

Examples

• Complete emptiness/destruction:
  • The nuclear war left the city in utter desolation.
  • After the hurricane, the coast was a scene of total desolation.
• Bleakness/lifelessness:
  • The desolation of the Arctic tundra was both beautiful and intimidating.
  • He stared out at the desolation of the abandoned industrial yard.
• Loneliness/misery:
  • She felt a deep desolation after the death of her husband.
  • The desolation in his eyes was clear to everyone.

Advanced Usage

• "To leave in desolation": To cause a place to become completely ruined and empty.
  • The invading army left the villages in desolation.
• "A sense/feeling of desolation": A profound emotional state of loneliness and despair.
  • Walking through the empty house filled her with a sense of desolation.

Variants and Related Words

• Desolate (adjective):
  • (Of a place) deserted, empty, and bleak.

    • a desolate moor
  • (Of a person) feeling utterly wretched and forlorn.

    • She felt desolate after the argument.
• Desolate (verb): To make a place bleak, empty, or lay it waste.
  • The region was desolated by famine.
• Desolately (adverb): In a manner showing complete unhappiness or loneliness.
  • He sighed desolately.

Synonyms

• Devastation: Great destruction or damage (emphasizes the act of destroying).
• Ruin: The physical remains of something destroyed or the state of being destroyed.
• Bleakness: Lack of warmth, life, or kindliness; bare and exposed.
• Forlornness: Pitifully sad and abandoned or lonely.
• Despair: The complete loss or absence of hope (often a stronger emotional component).

Antonyms

• Prosperity: The state of being successful and thriving.
• Cheer: A shout of encouragement or happiness; a mood of optimism.
• Crowdedness: The state of being full of people.
• Fertility: The quality of being fertile; productiveness.

Idioms and Phrases

• "Island of desolation": A metaphorical phrase for a place or situation that is isolated and bleak.
  • The old lighthouse stood as an island of desolation on the rocky coast.

Noun

1. an event that results in total destruction
2. sadness resulting from being forsaken or abandoned
3. a bleak and desolate atmosphere
   • the nakedness of the landscape
4. the state of being decayed or destroyed