uninhabited

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "uninhabited" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a place or area that is not occupied by people or lacks inhabitants. Example: "The island remained uninhabited for centuries, untouched by human activity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But the hostile body-language between the two men suggest tensions still run deep and not just because disputed claims about uninhabited islands in the east China sea.

The Guardian

We sped out to tiny, uninhabited Green Island – "the office", joked our instructor, Irene – on a stomach-churningly bumpy motorised dinghy.

The Guardian - Travel

"The entire west coast is uninhabited and inaccessible except to the dedicated walker," it warned, rather too enticingly.

The Guardian - Travel

The peer, who lives in southern England, said: "But there are large and uninhabited and desolate areas.

The Guardian

But what if she succeeded in landing on the tiny, uninhabited island of Nikumaroro?

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Much of the south of this long, skinny country is jagged coastline, uninhabited islands, roads that come to dead ends, and impenetrable forests and ice fields.

The Guardian - Travel

On longer trips into the south east, which is uninhabited apart from one tribe called the Wai Wai, Duane has even found birds, like the red siskin, which were previously thought to be extinct.

The Guardian - Travel

And now he's living the dream in which he gets to wander around a vast uninhabited space all alone, like Will Smith in I Am Legend.

The Guardian - Tech

Proximity to this ancient, mysterious landmark adds to the atmosphere of the location which, as the sun sets over the nearby uninhabited island of Annet on a warm summer's evening, is magical.There are other intriguing sites to visit nearby.

The Guardian - Travel

A mixture of threat and opportunity has the big four using their cash and acumen to strike out into other areas sometimes into uninhabited lands, sometimes into places where some other firm is used to ruling the roost.

The Economist

The inland locations of Canberra and Abuja did not succeed in luring their countries' populations to the vast uninhabited interiors.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing landscapes or regions, use "uninhabited" to clearly convey the absence of human settlement, emphasizing the natural or untouched state of the area.

Common error

Avoid using "uninhabited" when you mean "uninhabitable". "Uninhabited" means there are no residents, while "uninhabitable" means a place is not suitable for living. For example, a building might be uninhabited because it's for sale, but it's uninhabitable if it lacks basic utilities or is structurally unsound.

Linguistic Context

The adjective "uninhabited" primarily functions to describe nouns, typically geographical locations like islands, areas, or regions, indicating they are devoid of human residents. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through numerous examples of "uninhabited" modifying nouns in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the adjective "uninhabited" accurately describes a place lacking human residents. Ludwig AI underscores that it’s grammatically sound and frequently used in news and media to denote areas untouched by civilization. Remember to differentiate it from "uninhabitable", which indicates a place unsuitable for habitation. Using synonyms such as "unpopulated" or "deserted" can add nuance to your writing. By paying attention to these details, you can confidently and accurately employ "uninhabited" in your written communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

without inhabitants

A more descriptive way of saying "uninhabited"; emphasizes the lack of residents.

unpopulated

Focuses on the lack of a general population; emphasizes numerical absence.

unpeopled

A more formal synonym for "uninhabited"; emphasizes the absence of people.

deserted

Implies a previous habitation that has been abandoned; suggests a sense of loneliness or emptiness.

empty

Highlights the absence of contents or occupants; a more general term.

vacant

Suggests a temporary absence of occupants; often used in real estate contexts.

unsettled

Indicates an area where no permanent settlements have been established.

desolate

Conveys a sense of bleakness and emptiness; emphasizes the lack of comfort or life.

tenantless

Specifically refers to the absence of tenants; applicable to buildings or properties.

void of human life

Emphasizes the complete absence of human presence; a more dramatic expression.

FAQs

How can I use "uninhabited" in a sentence?

You can use "uninhabited" to describe places without residents. For example, "The explorers discovered an "uninhabited island" in the Pacific" or "Much of the region remains "uninhabited wilderness"".

What are some synonyms for "uninhabited"?

Alternatives to "uninhabited" include "unpopulated", "deserted", "empty", and "vacant". The best choice depends on the specific context.

What's the difference between "uninhabited" and "uninhabitable"?

"Uninhabited" means a place has no residents, while "uninhabitable" means it's not suitable for living. A house can be "uninhabited" but still structurally sound; an "uninhabitable house" is unsafe or lacks basic amenities.

Is it correct to say "an uninhabited population"?

No, "an uninhabited population" is contradictory. "Uninhabited" refers to a place, not a group of people. You can say "a small population" or refer to an "uninhabited area" with no population.