desolate

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

PHOENIX—On a desolate stretch of land dotted with cactuses some 30 minutes north of Phoenix, more than 30 cranes tower over a construction site 2½ times the size of New York City’s Central Park.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 24, 2026

It resembles a space mission, with an intrepid rover traversing desolate distant terrain.

From Barron's • Jan. 26, 2026

Streets and sidewalks that have been desolate all day are suddenly bustling with people, seemingly drawn in by the glowing light.

From Salon • Dec. 18, 2025

Or your favorite vacation spot might be the perfect beach town in the summer, but desolate and lonely in the winter.

From MarketWatch • Nov. 29, 2025

Uncle Al is desolate, weeping and honking into his red handkerchief and allowing himself only the occasional upward glance to gauge whether the procession’s speed allows for maximum crowd enlargement.

From "Water for Elephants" by Sara Gruen