desolation
6 synonyms and 0 antonyms 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.
Etymology
Inherited from Middle English desolacioun, from Middle French, Old French desolacion f, from Latin dēsōlātiō f.
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.