Godforsaken: meaning, definitions and examples

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godforsaken

 

[ ɡɒd.fərˈseɪ.kən ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

desolate place

The term 'godforsaken' is used to describe a place that is desolate, abandoned, or neglected. It conveys a sense of hopelessness and despair, often implying that the area is so bleak that even a deity would forsake it. This word can also be applied to situations or feelings that are similarly devoid of hope or joy. It is commonly used in literature and speech to evoke strong emotions regarding a dire location or circumstance.

Synonyms

abandoned, desolate, forsaken, wretched

Examples of usage

  • They live in a godforsaken part of town.
  • The soldiers were stuck in a godforsaken wasteland during the war.
  • After the storm, the village seemed like a godforsaken place.

Translations

Translations of the word "godforsaken" in other languages:

🇵🇹 abandonado

🇮🇳 भगवान से दूर

🇩🇪 gottverlassen

🇮🇩 terkutuk

🇺🇦 покинутий

🇵🇱 zapomniany

🇯🇵 神に見捨てられた

🇫🇷 oublié de Dieu

🇪🇸 abandonado por Dios

🇹🇷 tanrı tarafından terk edilmiş

🇰🇷 신에게 버림받은

🇸🇦 مهجور من الله

🇨🇿 opuštěný Bohem

🇸🇰 opustený Bohom

🇨🇳 被上帝遗弃的

🇸🇮 zapuščen

🇮🇸 guðlaus

🇰🇿 Құдай ұмытқан

🇬🇪 ღვთის მიერ მიტოვებული

🇦🇿 Tanrı tərəfindən tərk edilmiş

🇲🇽 abandonado por Dios

Etymology

The word 'godforsaken' dates back to the early 19th century, originally appearing in English literature as a compound term. It combines 'God', referring to the deity or divine presence, with 'forsaken', which means abandoned or deserted. The use of 'god' in this context suggests not only abandonment by humanity but also a sense of divine neglect. The imagery associated with 'godforsaken' often conjures feelings of desolation and abandonment, reflecting both physical and emotional states. Literary uses throughout the years have solidified its emotional weight, with authors employing it to evoke pity for places or situations deemed hopeless and forgotten. The term has also found a place in colloquial speech, often used to describe any situation that feels overwhelmingly bleak or unfortunate.