Wasteland: meaning, definitions and examples

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wasteland

[ˈweɪstlænd ]

Definitions

^{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.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
wasteland	Used to describe an area that is completely uninhabitable or desolate, often implying it has been devastated by human activity or natural disasters. The post-apocalyptic world was nothing more than a vast wasteland. After the factory closure, the town became a wasteland of abandoned buildings.
desert	Refers specifically to large, dry areas of land with minimal precipitation. Deserts are natural landscapes characterized by sand, rock, or limited vegetation. The Sahara is the largest hot desert in the world. Traveling through the desert requires careful preparation and supplies.
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. Farmers avoided the barren land because it couldn't sustain crops. The scientist studied the barren land to understand environmental changes.
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. The construction site left a large area of waste, strewn with rubble and debris. Years of pollution turned the riverbanks into a toxic 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.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
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. The factory closure turned the once vibrant area into a wasteland. In the story, the hero travels across a dystopian wasteland in search of a safe haven.
barren place	Used to describe land that is lifeless, incapable of producing vegetation, or uninhabited. It can imply both natural conditions and neglect. The desert is a barren place with very little rain and almost no vegetation. After the fire, the area turned into a barren place where nothing could grow.
desolate area	This phrase is usually employed to describe a place that is empty and unwelcoming, often evoking feelings of loneliness or abandonment. The abandoned village was a desolate area, with broken houses and empty streets. Lost in a desolate area, they struggled to find their way back to civilization.
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. They set up their picnic in an empty space in the park. The artists transformed the empty space into a vibrant gallery.

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.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word originated in Middle English, initially combining 'waste' (emptiness) with 'land'.
Historically, it referred to uncultivated land that could not support crops or habitation.
By the 19th century, the term began to acquire metaphorical meanings, often depicting desolation or decay.

Literature

In T.S. Eliot's poem 'The Waste Land', the term represents a disillusioned post-war society, filled with despair.
Many dystopian novels use the concept of a wasteland to explore themes of survival and the consequences of human actions.
The wasteland has become a common motif in literature, symbolizing lost hope or a broken world.

Environmental Science

Wastelands can arise from human activity, such as mining, deforestation, or urban sprawl, causing significant ecological damage.
Efforts like reclamation can help revive wastelands, making them fertile or livable again.
Some wastelands, such as deserts, are natural landscapes, showcasing unique ecosystems that can survive harsh conditions.

Pop Culture

In movies and video games, wasteland settings often serve as backdrops for adventures, highlighting resilience in a bleak world.
Popular games, like 'Fallout', present wastelands filled with post-apocalyptic narratives, where players navigate through desolation.
Musicians like Pink Floyd have used wasteland imagery in their works to reflect on societal issues and human experience.

Psychology

The idea of a wasteland can represent emotional states in psychological discussions, illustrating feelings of isolation or hopelessness.
Therapeutic approaches sometimes use the metaphor of a wasteland to encourage personal growth, suggesting that one can cultivate life in barren spaces.
In dreams, wastelands might symbolize unresolved issues or areas in life that require attention and nurturing.

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