English-English Dictionary

Meaning of the word desolate in English

What does desolate mean in English? Explore the meaning, pronunciation, and specific usage of this word with Lingoland.

desolate

US /ˈdes.əl.ət/
UK /ˈdes.əl.ət/
"desolate" picture

Adjective

1.

deserted of people and in a state of bleak and dismal emptiness

Example:
•
The old house stood on a desolate hill.
•
They walked through the desolate streets of the abandoned town.
Synonym:
barrenbleakemptyforlornlonelysolitaryuninhabitedwaste
2.

(of a place) made uninhabitable or joyless

Example:
•
The war left the region desolate.
•
The economic downturn created a desolate landscape for businesses.
Synonym:
devastatedruinedravageddestroyed
3.

feeling or showing misery, unhappiness, or loneliness

Example:
•
She felt utterly desolate after her pet died.
•
His face was etched with a desolate expression.
Synonym:
miserableunhappylonelyforlorndowncastdejecteddepressed

Verb

1.

make (a place) bleakly and depressingly empty or bare

Example:
•
The fire had desolated the entire forest.
•
Years of neglect can desolate even the most beautiful garden.
Synonym:
devastateravageruindestroylay waste to
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