Definition

Feeling sad and lonely because of being abandoned or deserted.

Example

The forlorn puppy sat by the door, waiting for its owner to return.

Conversation

Have you seen that old house on the corner?

Yeah, it looks really forlorn and abandoned.

I wonder what happened to the people who lived there.

Me too; it must feel so lonely to leave a place like that.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Forlorn comes from the Old English 'forleosan' (meaning to lose) and the suffix '-orn' (which indicates a state or condition). The word 'forlorn' describes a state of being lost or abandoned, often evoking feelings of sadness or despair.

Memory Tip

Think of being in a state of 'losing' something important, which helps you remember that 'forlorn' means feeling lost or abandoned.

Visually Confused Words