Main Entry: ¹des·o·late

Pronunciation: \ˈde-sə-lət, ˈde-zə-\

Function: adjective

Etymology: Middle English desolat, from Latin desolatus, past participle of desolare to abandon, from de- + solus alone

Date: 14th century

1 : devoid of inhabitants and visitors : deserted
2 : joyless, disconsolate, and sorrowful through or as if through separation from a loved one <a desolate widow>
3 a : showing the effects of abandonment and neglect : dilapidated <a desolate old house> b : barren, lifeless <a desolate landscape> c : devoid of warmth, comfort, or hope : gloomy <desolate memories>

synonyms see alone, dismal

— des·o·late·ly adverb

— des·o·late·ness noun