adjective
Uncommon
stranded
Stranded (adjective) means Left in a place with no way to leave or continue; abandoned somewhere without help. Example: “The hikers were stranded on the mountain after the trail washed out.”
adjective
1
Left in a place with no way to leave or continue; abandoned somewhere without help.
"The hikers were stranded on the mountain after the trail washed out."
"Our flight was cancelled, leaving us stranded at the airport overnight."
"The bus broke down, and we were stranded miles from the nearest village."
2
Run aground on a shore or reef, describing a boat or ship.
"The whale was found stranded on the beach."
"The fishing boat lay stranded on the sandbank until the tide came back in."
"A stranded ship rested on the rocks, waiting for the high water to lift it."
How to use stranded
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishStuck somewhere with no way to move on or get help.
Common pairings
stranded passengers
left stranded
stranded at sea
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The hikers were _____ on the mountain after the trail washed out.
Related words
Rhymes for stranded
See all rhymes for stranded →Frequently asked questions
What does “stranded” mean?
The word “stranded” means left in a place with no way to leave or continue; abandoned somewhere without help. In plain terms, stuck somewhere with no way to move on or get help.
How do you use “stranded” in a sentence?
Here is “stranded” used in a sentence: “The hikers were stranded on the mountain after the trail washed out.”
What part of speech is “stranded”?
“Stranded” is an adjective.
Is “stranded” a common word?
“Stranded” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “stranded” have?
“Stranded” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: left in a place with no way to leave or continue; abandoned somewhere without help.
What is the difference between "stranded" and "lost"?
"Stranded" specifically implies being left somewhere with no way to leave or continue, often due to circumstances beyond one's control, while "lost" simply means not knowing one's location or way.
What is the difference between "stranded" and "marooned"?
The two are close synonyms, though "marooned" often carries a connotation of being deliberately abandoned, such as on an island, while "stranded" can result from any circumstance, including weather or mechanical failure.
Can a ship be described as "stranded"?
Yes, "stranded" also specifically describes a boat or ship that has run aground on a shore or reef.