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 : deserted2: 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