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
1
A state of complete emptiness or ruin, often after destruction.
"The bombing left the city in a state of total desolation."
2
A deep feeling of sadness and hopelessness.
"She was overwhelmed with desolation after the funeral."
How to use desolation
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishComplete emptiness and ruin, or a crushing sense of sadness and loneliness.
Common pairings
scene of desolation
utter desolation
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Word forms
- Plural
- desolations
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The bombing left the city in a state of total _____.
Etymology
Inherited from Middle English desolacioun, which came from Middle French and Old French desolacion (feminine), from Latin dēsōlātiō (feminine).
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for desolation
region
ablation
allusion
emulsion
ideation
novation
diffusion
elocution
extension
oxidation
perfusion
selection
See all rhymes for 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.
