forsaken

USAGE SUMMARY

'forsaken' is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it to mean abandoned or deserted by someone or something, especially in a time of need. For example: "The old man felt forsaken as he looked around at his empty house."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

What must have made matters worse is the absence of any discernible indication that Dyke has forsaken his former profession.

The Guardian

By now Salvadoran defenders, forsaken as their team-mates were continually stranded upfield, were seriously panicking.

The Guardian - Sport

For now, the Kurds of south-east Turkey, far more numerous than those in Iraq, seem genuinely to have forsaken their desire for a separate state, seeking autonomy instead.

The Economist

Religious puritans, who once saw Hamas as an Islamist partner, say it has forsaken the chance to build a theocracy.

The Economist

With so many centre-left governments now in power across the Union, there is a strong desire to ensure that traditional liberal values should not be forsaken and that genuine refugees should be protected.Even policy towards genuine refugees, however, causes bitter rows.

The Economist

When in 1873 Benslow House was forsaken for the newly formed Girton College in Cambridge, there were 15 women enrolled.Fifteen pioneers who could study what men studied, and take the same exams as men but who could not graduate.

The Economist

Virtually all those countries that once embraced a Marxist credo have now forsaken it; few even call themselves socialist any more.

The Economist

Now that Mr Suzuki's pals in his party seem to have forsaken him and given in to opposition demands, he will have to respond to the allegations against him under oath in parliament on March 11th.

The Economist

Yet looking at the presidential contest now that Mr Ahn, an academic and former doctor and software entrepreneur, has forsaken it, it is hard not to see his departure as the end, for now, of his "hopes for new politics and regime change".Of the seven remaining candidates in the poll on December 19th to elect a successor to Lee Myung-bak, a conservative former businessman, only two have a chance.

The Economist

He also runs a presidential task force set up to develop the war-ravaged north and east.In this section Their number is up If you pay more than peanuts Protest vote Dispense with the pieties Thinking the worst Isolation ward Putting the raj in Rajapaksa Friends like these In the strongman's shadow ReprintsA fourth brother, the eldest, Chamal, has forsaken his former cabinet seat.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

James Freyn, the narrator, is 106, a dropped-out philosophiser, reminiscing into Cowley's tape-recorder about a trip he made in his 20s into the interior of a god-forsaken British colony in South America, to collect two horses from a French-Swiss religious nutter worshipped by robotically obedient natives.The echoes of Joseph Conrad's "The Heart of Darkness" are obvious.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "forsaken" to evoke a sense of abandonment or desolation, particularly when emphasizing emotional or spiritual neglect.

Common error

Avoid using "forsaken" when "neglected" or "abandoned" more accurately reflects the level of severity. "Forsaken" carries a stronger connotation of being utterly deserted.

Linguistic Context

The word "forsaken" primarily functions as an adjective, modifying nouns to describe a state of being abandoned or deserted. As Ludwig AI explains, it implies being abandoned or deserted, especially in times of need. Examples from Ludwig showcase its usage in describing people, places, and even ideals.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Encyclopedias

24%

Science

18%

Less common in

Formal & Business

12%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "forsaken" is a versatile adjective with a strong connotation of abandonment and desolation. According to Ludwig AI, it is a correct and usable term in written English, typically implying someone or something deserted in a time of need. Its usage spans various contexts, from news and media to academic writing, indicating its wide applicability. When writing, use "forsaken" to convey a sense of emotional or spiritual neglect, while being mindful of its stronger connotations compared to synonyms like "abandoned" or "neglected". The numerous examples provided by Ludwig, along with its analysis of grammatical function and communicative purpose, offer a solid foundation for mastering the use of this evocative word.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Abandoned

Direct synonym implying a state of being deserted or left behind.

Deserted

Similar to "abandoned", highlighting the act of leaving someone or something.

Neglected

Emphasizes a lack of care and attention, leading to a state of abandonment.

Left behind

Focuses on the act of being excluded or forgotten in a particular situation.

Cast aside

Suggests a deliberate act of rejection or discarding.

Given up on

Highlights a loss of hope or faith in someone or something.

Uncared for

Similar to "neglected", emphasizing a lack of attention to needs or well-being.

Forlorn

Describes a state of being sad and lonely because of abandonment.

Bereft

Implies a sense of loss and deprivation due to being abandoned.

Jettisoned

Suggests a forceful or intentional act of discarding, often for practical reasons.

FAQs

How can I use "forsaken" in a sentence?

You can use "forsaken" to describe something that has been abandoned or deserted, such as "The "forsaken village" stood as a reminder of the war" or "He felt "forsaken by his friends" after the scandal".

What are some synonyms for "forsaken"?

Synonyms for "forsaken" include "abandoned", "deserted", "neglected", and "forlorn". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "abandoned" and "forsaken"?

"Abandoned" generally refers to physically leaving something or someone behind. "Forsaken" implies a deeper sense of desertion, often with emotional or spiritual connotations. Something "can be abandoned" without being forsaken, but something that is forsaken always implies abandonment.

Is "forsaken" a formal or informal word?

"Forsaken" is generally considered a more formal word, often used in literature or more serious contexts. In casual conversation, "abandoned" or "left behind" might be more appropriate.