wasteland
|waste-land|
/ˈweɪstˌlænd/
barren land
Etymology
'wasteland' originates from Old English, specifically the words 'wēste' meaning 'desolate' and 'land' meaning 'land'.
'wēste land' transformed into the Middle English word 'wastelond', and eventually became the modern English word 'wasteland'.
Initially, it meant 'desolate land', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'barren or desolate area'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
an area of land that is barren or desolate, often due to human activity or natural conditions.
The abandoned factory was surrounded by a vast wasteland.
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Noun 2
a metaphorical term for a place, situation, or period that is devoid of life, activity, or interest.
The novel depicted the protagonist's life as an emotional wasteland.
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Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:39