desolation
6 synonyms for desolation, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A state of complete emptiness or ruin, often after destruction.
Synonyms
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use desolation
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
scene of desolation
utter desolation
Etymology
Inherited from Middle English desolacioun, which came from Middle French and Old French desolacion (feminine), from Latin dēsōlātiō (feminine).
Full origin of desolation →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.
