Desolate Meaning
/ˈdɛs.ə.lət/Definition, CEFR level C1, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
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Definition
adjDeserted and devoid of inhabitants.
adjBarren and lifeless.
Sentence Examples
The town was desolate after the flood.
If one does not have a hobby, his life may be desolate.
It was a thoroughly desolate landscape, without a soul in sight.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Antonyms:
CEFR Practice Quiz
The abandoned island was ____ with no signs of life.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The town was ____ after the flood.
Word Origin & History
From Middle English desolat(e). See Etymology 2 and -ate (adjective-forming suffix) for more.
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"I will make Jerusalem […] a den of dragons, and I will make the cities of Judah desolate, without an inhabitant."
— 1611, The Holy Bible, […] (King James Version), London: […] Robert Barker, […], →OCLC, Jeremiah 9:11:
"And the silvery marish flowers that throng / The desolate creeks and pools among."
— 1830, Alfred Lord Tennyson, The Dying Swan:
"There are few sights that leave a railway lover more wistful than a desolate railway viaduct no longer carrying tracks. As with tunnels, so much effort was made to conquer the landscape, yet so many now stand forlorn."
— 2025 November 26, Tim Dunn, “Lost and found: historical assets”, in RAIL, number 1049, page 55:
"voice of the poor and desolate"
— 1827, [John Keble], The Christian Year: Thoughts in Verse for the Sundays and Holydays throughout the Year, volume (please specify |volume=I or II), Oxford, Oxfordshire: […] [B]y W. Baxter, for J. Parker; and C[harles] and J[ohn] Rivington, […], →OCLC:
"Any help and suggestions from our gay brothers and sisters would be appreciated from this isolated camp. We need some contacts: lawyers, organizations, or people who are concerned enough to help. We are two desolate, suppressed lesbians! We are seeking help from anyone who will help us fight for our rights."
— 1983 December 10, Mike Riegle, quoting Lorrie Ong and Jackie Jackson, “Sexual Politics of "Crime": Inside and Out”, in Gay Community News, volume 11, number 21, page 5:
Explore More C1 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
The abandoned island was ____ with no signs of life.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The town was ____ after the flood.