Wasteland: meaning, definitions and examples

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wasteland

 

[ ˈweɪstlænd ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

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

barren land, desert, waste

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.
Context #2 | Noun

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

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.