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.

Example sentence
After the earthquake, the survivors stood in silence, staring at the desolation that surrounded them.
Synonyms & related words
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