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Definition of desolation

desolation

/ˌdɛs.əˈleɪ.ʃən/
des · o · la · tion
Adverb:desolately
•
Plural:desolations
•
Adjective:desolate
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desolation Lexical Profile

desolation Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A state of complete emptiness, barrenness, or destruction, especially of a place.

Example

"The explorers looked out across the icy desolation of the polar plateau."

2

Great unhappiness, wretchedness, or a feeling of utter loneliness and grief.

Example

"A sense of utter desolation swept over her when she realized her childhood home was gone forever."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for desolation

• Nearby Words

desna
desolate
desolately
desolation
desoto
desoto falls
despair

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the late 14th century from Old French desolacion and Late Latin desolationem, from the Latin verb desolare ('to leave completely alone or forsake'), formed from de- ('completely') and solus ('alone').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Desolation. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/desolation
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