Wasteland: meaning, definitions and examples
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wasteland
[ ˈweɪstlænd ]
post-apocalyptic setting
A wasteland is a barren, desolate area of land that has been devastated by natural disasters, pollution, or nuclear war. It is characterized by its lack of vegetation, scarcity of resources, and overall inhospitable environment.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
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wasteland |
Used to describe an area that is completely uninhabitable or desolate, often implying it has been devastated by human activity or natural disasters.
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desert |
Refers specifically to large, dry areas of land with minimal precipitation. Deserts are natural landscapes characterized by sand, rock, or limited vegetation.
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barren land |
Used to describe land that is unable to support plant growth or agriculture. This term is neutral and focuses on the infertility of the land.
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waste |
Generally describes something that has been used carelessly or is no longer useful. In the context of land, it may imply an area that has been spoiled or neglected and has connotations of mismanagement. It often carries a negative connotation.
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Examples of usage
- The survivors wandered through the wasteland, searching for any sign of civilization.
- The wasteland was littered with the remnants of a once-thriving city.
figurative meaning
In a figurative sense, a wasteland refers to a place or situation that is devoid of life, hope, or excitement. It can symbolize a state of emptiness, loneliness, or despair.
Synonyms
barren place, desolate area, empty space.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
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wasteland |
This term is often used to describe a large area of land that is damaged or neglected and cannot be used for anything useful. It can also evoke a sense of hopelessness or despair.
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barren place |
Used to describe land that is lifeless, incapable of producing vegetation, or uninhabited. It can imply both natural conditions and neglect.
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desolate area |
This phrase is usually employed to describe a place that is empty and unwelcoming, often evoking feelings of loneliness or abandonment.
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empty space |
Typically used to describe an area that lacks buildings, objects, or people. It doesn't necessarily have a negative connotation and can simply refer to an open area.
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Examples of usage
- After the breakup, his heart felt like a wasteland, devoid of any joy or love.
- The abandoned factory was a wasteland of broken dreams and forgotten promises.
Translations
Translations of the word "wasteland" in other languages:
🇵🇹 terra desolada
🇮🇳 उजाड़ भूमि
🇩🇪 Ödland
🇮🇩 tanah tandus
🇺🇦 пустка
🇵🇱 pustkowie
🇯🇵 荒地 (arechi)
🇫🇷 terrain vague
🇪🇸 tierra baldía
🇹🇷 ıssız arazi
🇰🇷 황무지 (hwangmuji)
🇸🇦 أرض قاحلة
🇨🇿 pustina
🇸🇰 pustatina
🇨🇳 荒地 (huāngdì)
🇸🇮 puščava
🇮🇸 eyðimörk
🇰🇿 шөлейт
🇬🇪 უდაბნო
🇦🇿 çöl
🇲🇽 tierra baldía
Etymology
The word 'wasteland' originated from the Old English term 'wæsteland', which referred to uncultivated land or wilderness. Over time, the word evolved to encompass the concept of a barren, desolate area. The imagery of a wasteland has been a common theme in literature and art, often symbolizing themes of destruction, loss, and hopelessness.
See also: wastage, wasted, wasteful, wastefulness, waster, wastrel.