Definition

The condition of being empty, lonely, or without hope, often referring to a place that is deserted or lacking life.

Example

After the storm, the desolateness of the landscape was striking, with no signs of life in sight.

Conversation

Have you ever felt a sense of desolateness when visiting a deserted place?

Definitely, it's such a strange feeling; everything feels so empty.

Right? It's like the silence just echoes the desolateness around you.

Exactly! It makes you appreciate the liveliness of other places even more.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Desolateness is formed from "desolate" (from Latin "desolatus", meaning abandoned or forsaken) and the suffix "-ness" (meaning the state or quality of). The word describes the state of being abandoned or in a forsaken condition.

Memory Tip

Think of the word 'desolate' which means abandoned, and remember that 'desolateness' refers to the state of being abandoned or forsaken.

Visually Confused Words