Desolate landscape

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Desolate landscape" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a barren, empty, or bleak area, often evoking feelings of isolation or abandonment. Example: "The artist captured the beauty of the desolate landscape in his painting, highlighting the stark contrast between the barren earth and the vast sky."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The footprints weave intricate paths across the desolate landscape.

The Washington Post

That desolate landscape inspires, and it's where I live.

The Guardian - Music

But, in this desolate landscape of lost souls, she can't stifle her true nature.

The New York Times

Species that migrate to Texas in winter will find a desolate landscape awaiting them.

The New York Times

Across a desolate landscape bleached by the sun, I drove my Nissan to the levee.

Independent

The desolate landscape of Act 3's opening mimicked Wieland Wagner's minimalism.

The New York Times - Arts

In one, he sees a dusty and faded picture he describes as "an armored figure standing in a desolate landscape.

The New Yorker

I found an even more desolate landscape on the upper concourse for the 400 Level of the Verizon Center.

The New York Times

Givens's one-line declarations help ease the reader through the desolate landscape, and so do Leonard's lively, idiosyncratic characters.

The New York Times - Books

The desolate landscape is as harsh as her local kin, who are none too pleased with her snooping.

Independent

New motorways, gleaming shopping malls and factories equipped with the latest technology pepper the once desolate landscape.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "desolate landscape" to evoke a sense of emptiness, abandonment, or hopelessness in your writing. It's particularly effective when describing post-apocalyptic settings, remote natural environments, or emotional states of isolation.

Common error

Avoid using "desolate landscape" in situations where the setting is only mildly barren or simply rural. Its strong connotations are best reserved for scenes genuinely characterized by extreme emptiness and lack of life.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "desolate landscape" primarily functions as a noun phrase that acts as a subject, object, or complement in a sentence. It's used to describe a geographical area characterized by barrenness, emptiness, and often a sense of isolation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "desolate landscape" effectively describes a barren and empty environment, often evoking feelings of isolation and abandonment. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is grammatically sound and frequently used across diverse sources. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, this noun phrase paints a vivid picture of physical environments and metaphorical states. Remember to wield it judiciously, reserving its powerful connotations for contexts genuinely characterized by extreme barrenness. Alternatives such as ""barren terrain"" or ""bleak wilderness"" can be considered depending on the desired nuance. Overall, "desolate landscape" remains a powerful and versatile phrase for describing emptiness and loss.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Desolate wilderness

Synonymous, but "wilderness" specifies a wild, uninhabited area.

Barren terrain

Focuses on the lack of vegetation and productivity of the land.

Bleak wilderness

Emphasizes the emptiness and lack of habitation in a wild area.

Barren expanse

Highlights the vastness and lack of features in the landscape.

Empty wasteland

Highlights the abandonment and unproductive nature of the area.

Withered landscape

Emphasizes the decay and loss of vitality in the environment.

Forlorn scenery

Adds a sense of sadness and abandonment to the visual aspect.

Arid environment

Focuses specifically on the lack of moisture and dryness of the area.

Lunar surface

Compares the landscape to the moon, implying extreme desolation.

Bleak outlook

Implies emotional or metaphorical barrenness rather than literal landscape.

FAQs

How can I use "desolate landscape" in a sentence?

You can use "desolate landscape" to describe a physical environment, such as "The explorers traversed the "desolate landscape" of the arctic tundra", or metaphorically, such as "Her heart felt like a "desolate landscape" after the breakup".

What are some alternatives to "desolate landscape"?

Alternatives include "barren terrain", "bleak wilderness", or "empty wasteland". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to use "desolate" to describe a non-physical place or state?

Yes, "desolate" can be used metaphorically to describe an emotional state or a situation lacking in positive aspects. For example, "The economic recession left the town a "desolate landscape" of unemployment and despair".

What's the difference between "desolate landscape" and "barren landscape"?

"Desolate landscape" often implies a sense of abandonment and sadness, while "barren landscape" primarily focuses on the lack of vegetation or productivity. A "desolate landscape" might once have been thriving, whereas a barren one may have never supported much life.