desolation

USAGE SUMMARY

'desolation' is a perfectly correct and usable word in written English.
It is a noun that describes a state of loneliness or devastation. For example, "The desolation of the once bustling city was heartbreaking."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I ask whether that sort of desolation is something she's experienced herself and she seems surprised I even needed to check: "Oh, I think we've all felt that".

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Less than 24 hours after Keane's arrival the sense of desolation deepened when the Republic of Ireland striker's debut was marked by defeat at Kilmarnock.

The Guardian - Sport

It doesn't come close to encompassing the desperation of the escaper, the fear of the clandestine, the boredom of the itinerant, the lung-filled panic of the shipwrecked, the desolation of those who actually make it only to find Europe doesn't want them.

The Guardian

Siegfried Sassoon's 'Suicide In The Trenches' is not about the ludicrous manoeuvers of a trigger-happy General, but rather the desolation of lost youth.

The Guardian

Not that it matters: his desolation seeps into every pore of the record, and the mood is cemented by the music's bad-trip doominess.

The Guardian - Music

When you read him in quantity, and marinate in his worldview, a more ingrained desolation become apparent.

The Guardian - Books

The two responses hold in chilling suspension the essence of millenarian belief, with its double aspect of desolation and renewal.

The Economist

In 1990 another Luo hero, Robert Ouko, then Kenya's foreign minister, was also murdered.A sense of economic desolation as well as political turmoil pervades the Luo fishing villages edging Lake Victoria.

The Economist

Buy from Amazon.com, Amazon.co.ukBUZZ ALDRIN'S "Magnificent Desolation" makes riveting reading even though it is 40 years since he walked behind Neil Armstrong to become the second man on the moon (that's him above).

The Economist

The book's narrow focus intensifies both the narrative drama and Michel's inner desolation.

The Economist

On higher ground, smart colonies of shoebox-shaped prefabricated "temporary housing" are springing up.But for someone coming to the desolation for the first time, what still astounds is the sheer scale of the devastation wrought by the tsunami on March 11th; that, and the enormous obstacles in the way of rebuilding whole villages and towns.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a scene or emotion, use sensory details alongside "desolation" to create a more vivid and impactful image for the reader. For example, "The wind howled through the shattered windows, amplifying the "desolation" of the abandoned house".

Common error

Avoid using "desolation" as a simple substitute for words like "sadness" or "emptiness". Reserve it for situations where there is a significant degree of devastation, ruin, or abandonment, either physical or emotional. Overusing it can diminish its impact.

Linguistic Context

The noun "desolation" functions as a descriptor of a state or condition characterized by emptiness, ruin, or grief. Ludwig's examples show it often describes physical landscapes or emotional states, illustrating its versatility in conveying profound loss or abandonment. According to Ludwig AI, the word is perfectly correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

35%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "desolation" is a grammatically sound noun that describes a state of emptiness, ruin, or profound sadness. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. Its frequent appearance in news, encyclopedias and scientific texts, as well as its function to evoke a feeling of loss, makes it a versatile choice for both describing physical and emotional landscapes. While useful, it should be reserved for situations where severe devastation is apparent, not simple sadness. Related terms include "utter devastation" and "profound emptiness". When using "desolation", remember to add sensory details to enrich your descriptions and enhance the emotional impact for your audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

utter devastation

Focuses on the complete destruction and ruin associated with desolation.

profound emptiness

Highlights the feeling of hollowness and lack of substance.

complete ruin

Emphasizes the state of irreversible damage and decay.

bleak solitude

Combines the ideas of loneliness and barrenness.

forlorn abandonment

Stresses the state of being deserted and filled with sadness.

barren wasteland

Refers to a landscape that is desolate and unproductive.

emotional despondency

Highlights the emotional state of hopelessness and despair.

spiritual barrenness

Emphasizes the lack of spiritual fulfillment and vitality.

tragic loss

Focuses on the sorrow and grief caused by a significant loss.

dreary isolation

Combines the feeling of sadness with being set apart from others.

FAQs

How can I use "desolation" in a sentence?

"Desolation" can describe a physical place, like "The war left the city in a state of complete desolation", or an emotional state, such as "She felt a deep desolation after the loss of her loved one".

What words are similar to "desolation"?

Alternatives to "desolation" include "devastation", "ruin", "bleakness", "forlornness", and "emptiness", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "desolation" a formal word?

While "desolation" isn't overly formal, it carries a heavier emotional weight than simpler words like "sadness". It's appropriate for serious or dramatic contexts.

What is the difference between "desolation" and "desperation"?

"Desolation" refers to a state of emptiness or ruin, while "desperation" is a feeling of hopelessness that often drives someone to take extreme measures. Although both words are similar, they aren't synonyms.