wasteland
/ˈweɪstlænd/
barren or desolate area
The nuclear explosion left the city a wasteland.
The area became completely ruined and uninhabitable.
general
A barren or desolate area of land, often due to environmental damage or neglect.
After years of drought, the farm turned into a wasteland.
The land became unusable for farming due to lack of water.
Can also be used metaphorically to describe a place or situation that is ruined or abandoned.
Collocations
turn into a wastelandbecome completely ruinedurban wastelanda neglected or abandoned urban area
Antonyms
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Metaphorical Use
Wasteland can describe not just physical places but also emotional or intellectual states.
Gold Rule
Context Matters
Ensure the context supports the metaphorical use when applying it beyond physical landscapes.
Word Origin
From Middle English 'wasteland', meaning 'uncultivated land'.
Usage Notes
Often used to describe areas affected by war, pollution, or natural disasters.
Word Breakdown
waste
useless or barren
rootland
territory or area
rootEnglish Dictionary