desolation

noun/ˌdɛsəˈleɪʃən/

Frequency rank: #12,631 most common English word

Meaning

A state of complete emptiness, ruin, or loneliness; a feeling of great misery and hopelessness.

Illustration for the English word “desolation”

Example sentence

After the earthquake, the survivors stood in silence, staring at the desolation that surrounded them.

Synonyms & related words

Practice this word in the quiz

More words in ranks 12,601–12,700