desolate
What does "desolate" mean?
Desolate describes a place that is bleak, empty of people, and often inhospitable or depressing. It conjures the mental image of a windswept, barren landscape—perhaps a deserted desert or a ruined city—where the silence feels heavy and the lack of life is palpable. Beyond physical locations, the word can also describe a person’s emotional state, conveying a deep sense of loneliness or misery. While "empty" is neutral, "desolate" is heavily charged with feelings of abandonment, isolation, and sadness. It is common to see it used in descriptive writing or literature to set a somber, melancholic mood.
"desolate" in conversation
Discussing a road trip
We drove for six hours through the middle of the state.
We drove for six hours through the middle of the state.
Was there anything to see?
Was there anything to see?
Nothing but desolate plains and a few abandoned gas stations.
Nothing but desolate plains and a few abandoned gas stations.
Used here to emphasize the emptiness and lack of life in a landscape.
Describing a mood
After she moved away, the house felt so desolate.
After she moved away, the house felt so desolate.
I can imagine. It's hard when a space loses its warmth.
I can imagine. It's hard when a space loses its warmth.
Shows how the word applies to the emotional atmosphere of a place.
"desolate" in a sentence
The hikers walked across the desolate tundra.
The hikers walked across the desolate tundra.
He felt desolate after his best friend moved to another country.
He felt desolate after his best friend moved to another country.
The desolate ruins of the ancient fortress stood as a silent witness to a long-forgotten war.
The desolate ruins of the ancient fortress stood as a silent witness to a long-forgotten war.
