noun B2 Upper-Intermediate Uncommon

desolation

deh-suh-LAY-shuhn

Desolation (noun) means a state of complete emptiness or ruin, often after destruction. Example: “The bombing left the city in a state of total desolation.”

noun

A state of complete emptiness or ruin, often after destruction.

"The bombing left the city in a state of total desolation."

A deep feeling of sadness and hopelessness.

"She was overwhelmed with desolation after the funeral."

How to Use Desolation

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishComplete emptiness and ruin, or a crushing sense of sadness and loneliness.

Common pairings

scene of desolation utter desolation

Word Forms

desolations plural

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The bombing left the city in a state of total _____.

Synonyms

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loneliness devastation nakedness bareness bleakness forlornness

Related Words

damage destruction holocaust sadness apocalypse loneliness openness havoc

Rhymes for desolation

region ablation allusion emulsion ideation novation abortion abrasion diffusion elocution extension oxidation

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does “desolation” mean?

The word “desolation” means a state of complete emptiness or ruin, often after destruction. In plain terms, complete emptiness and ruin, or a crushing sense of sadness and loneliness.

How do you pronounce “desolation”?

“Desolation” is pronounced deh-suh-LAY-shuhn (/ˌdɛsəˈleɪʃən/ in IPA).

How do you use “desolation” in a sentence?

Here is “desolation” used in a sentence: “The bombing left the city in a state of total desolation.”

What part of speech is “desolation”?

“Desolation” is a noun.

Is “desolation” a common word?

“Desolation” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.

How many meanings does “desolation” have?

“Desolation” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a state of complete emptiness or ruin, often after destruction.

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