sense of desolation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sense of desolation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a feeling of emptiness, loneliness, or despair, often in a physical or emotional context. Example: "As she walked through the abandoned town, a profound sense of desolation washed over her, leaving her feeling utterly alone."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Arts

Books

Opinion

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

This does nothing to diminish the song's sense of desolation.

The Guardian - Music

What's left behind is a sense of desolation and distrust.

The New York Times

I had to struggle to hold off a heavy sense of desolation and loneliness.

The New York Times

In the background, leafless trees in pseudo-naif style enhance the sense of desolation.

The New York Times - Arts

Whatever one may think of that notion philosophically, the solo conveyed a powerful sense of desolation.

The New York Times - Arts

"Looking at America" brings a little color to the proceedings but doesn't spare the sense of desolation.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

It was a cold, gray day, and the snow blanketing the landscape added to the sense of haunting desolation.

The New York Times

But in perhaps the most alarming measurement of the city's sense of sporting desolation, fans searching for a local winner may be forced to turn to New Jersey.

The New York Times

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

But in perhaps the most alarming measurement of the city's sense of sporting desolation, fans searching for a local winner may be forced to turn to a team whose middle name is Jersey.

The New York Times

I get a sense of the desolation of the Midwest in Matt Berninger's Ohio-born voice in the early part (set in New York), but everything in this beautiful song all of it moves towards the sudden break, the shift in tone leading to the heartbreaking line: "You know I dreamed about you for 29 years before I saw you".

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "sense of desolation" to evoke a strong emotional response in your reader, particularly when describing environments or situations characterized by emptiness, loss, or abandonment. For example, describe how a character feels walking through the setting.

Common error

Avoid using "sense of desolation" in trivial situations or when describing mild disappointment. It's a strong phrase that should be reserved for situations where genuine and profound sadness or emptiness is present, otherwise, consider using words with less impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sense of desolation" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence or clause. It describes a state or feeling of emptiness and profound sadness. This is supported by Ludwig, as exemplified in various literary and news contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Arts

11%

Books

6%

Less common in

Opinion

6%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "sense of desolation" is a versatile noun phrase used to effectively convey feelings of emptiness, loneliness, and abandonment across various contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and frequently employed in News & Media, Arts, and Books. While suitable for both formal and informal writing, it should be reserved for scenarios where genuine and profound sadness or emptiness is present. Alternatives include "feeling of abandonment" and "state of emptiness", each with slightly different connotations. Understanding these nuances allows writers to choose the most appropriate expression for their intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

feeling of abandonment

This alternative uses "feeling" instead of "sense" and "abandonment" instead of "desolation", shifting the focus to being forsaken.

state of emptiness

This alternative replaces "sense of desolation" with a more general term, emphasizing the lack of emotional or spiritual content.

atmosphere of despair

This alternative shifts the focus from personal feeling to the surrounding environment, suggesting that the desolation is pervasive.

mood of hopelessness

This alternative focuses on the lack of positive expectation or future prospects.

air of forlornness

This alternative uses "forlornness", highlighting sadness and abandonment, which is a more poetic expression.

experience of isolation

This alternative focuses on the feeling of being alone and disconnected from others.

impression of bleakness

This alternative uses "bleakness", emphasizing the lack of warmth, cheerfulness, or hope.

palpable despondency

This alternative uses "palpable", suggesting that the feeling of despondency is intense and easily perceived.

overwhelming sadness

This alternative highlights the intensity of the sadness, suggesting a powerful emotional experience.

profound loneliness

This alternative emphasizes the depth and intensity of the feeling of being alone.

FAQs

How can I use "sense of desolation" in a sentence?

You can use "sense of desolation" to describe a feeling of emptiness or despair. For example: "The abandoned house gave her a strong sense of desolation." or "A sense of desolation washed over him after the loss."

What is the difference between "sense of despair" and "sense of desolation"?

"Sense of despair" implies a loss of hope and a feeling of being overwhelmed, while "sense of desolation" suggests emptiness, loneliness, and abandonment. "Sense of desolation" focuses on emptiness while "sense of despair" emphasizes a loss of hope.

What can I say instead of "sense of desolation"?

You can use alternatives like "feeling of abandonment", "state of emptiness", or "atmosphere of despair" depending on the specific context.

Is "sense of desolation" a formal or informal expression?

"Sense of desolation" is suitable for both formal and informal writing, although it is often found in more descriptive or literary contexts due to its evocative nature.