wilderness

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "wilderness" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it as a noun to refer to any area of land that is uncultivated and uninhabited, especially an area of natural beauty or a remote location. For example, "I find solace in the wilderness, away from the hustle and bustle of the city."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Travel

Opinion

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

We set out to see if you can get a taste of Tassie's wilderness in relative comfort over the course of a weekend.

The Guardian - Travel

The vanguard for this push is embodied by Pumphouse Point – a much talked about converted hydro facility on Lake St Clair that is catering to wilderness visitors who don't want to shiver in a tent amid the region's tempestuous weather.

The Guardian - Travel

But if you're looking for a packaged break, Far and Wild runs everything from moonlit kayak trips to family wilderness adventures.

The Guardian - Travel

Each sleeps just two people: choose from the sleek Le Bébé Cottage, with its baroque Paris feel (there's even a bright-red birdcage reborn as a swivel chair); Aunt Zoe's Place, decorated like a 1940s lakeside cabin, with restored farm sinks and stained-glass windows; and Papa Hemmingway Cottage, designed like a wilderness lodge.

The Guardian - Travel

One-night tours from US$120, catatumbotour.com Colombia is an intriguing mixture of modern cities and remote wilderness, and on this trip you can experience both.

The Guardian - Travel

One minute we were driving along a wide, tarmaced road and the next we took a sharp right into what seemed like the wilderness.

The Guardian

This is a real wilderness escape, though Hunstville has lively bars and restaurants, and the all-important outdoors outfitters stores.

The Guardian - Travel

In imitation of Tsar Peter the Great, who constructed St Petersburg in a swampy wilderness to act as a window to Europe, Putin showcased his modernizing credentials with an Olympic complex on a swampy coast and a brand new skiing resort in the mountains.

The Guardian - Opinion

Abbott said: "Now I'm all in favour of protecting pristine wilderness in proportion – I am all in favour of that.

The Guardian

After choosing a small group of differently skilled survivors, players must head out into the heat-blasted wilderness to investigate the murder of an important tribal leader.

The Guardian - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Not only were all the trains given creepy new faces that made them look as if Gollum had been stretched across the rim of a bass drum, but the Fat Controller was ousted in a dramatic coup and replaced by what appeared to be a dust-obsessed French policeman played by wilderness-era Alec Baldwin.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about conservation or environmental issues, use "wilderness" to emphasize the importance of preserving natural areas in their untouched state.

Common error

While the "wilderness" can be inspiring, be mindful of portraying it solely as an idyllic escape. Acknowledge its challenges, potential dangers, and the complex relationship humans have with these spaces.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "wilderness" is as a noun. It commonly denotes an unsettled, uncultivated region left in its natural condition, often remote and uninhabited. Ludwig AI confirms this usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Travel

27%

Opinion

8%

Less common in

Sport

3%

Tech

1%

Film

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "wilderness" is a noun that refers to an uncultivated, uninhabited area in its natural state. As indicated by Ludwig AI, its grammatical usage is correct. Its prevalence in news and media, travel, and opinion pieces demonstrates its common usage. While it can evoke feelings of awe and wonder, remember to acknowledge the complexities and challenges these spaces present. Consider using alternatives like "untamed land" or "remote area" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

untamed land

Emphasizes the lack of human control or cultivation in the area.

unspoiled nature

Highlights the purity and lack of damage or alteration by humans.

remote area

Focuses on the isolation and distance from populated centers.

natural environment

A broader term encompassing all naturally occurring elements and conditions.

virgin territory

Implies an area that is untouched and unexplored by humans.

wild expanse

Highlights the vastness and openness of the natural landscape.

primitive landscape

Suggests an area in its original, undeveloped state.

uncultivated region

Emphasizes the lack of agricultural or urban development.

trackless waste

Conveys a sense of desolation and lack of paths or human presence.

the backcountry

Refers to remote, sparsely populated rural areas.

FAQs

How can I use "wilderness" in a sentence?

You can use "wilderness" to refer to a large area of land that is left in its natural condition, without buildings or roads. For example, "They ventured into the vast wilderness".

What's a good alternative to using the word "wilderness"?

Depending on the context, you could use "untamed land", "remote area", or "natural environment" as alternatives to "wilderness".

What is the difference between "wilderness" and "the wild"?

"Wilderness" refers specifically to an undeveloped and unpopulated area. "The wild" is a more general term that can refer to any untamed or natural environment, including animals living in their natural habitat.

Is it appropriate to use "wilderness" to describe a mental state?

While "wilderness" primarily refers to a physical environment, it can be used metaphorically to describe a state of confusion, isolation, or being lost. For example, "He was lost in a wilderness of despair".