# desolate

> English word · Adjective · IPA /ˈdɛs.ə.lət/ · frequency rank #23,238

## Definitions
1. Deserted and devoid of inhabitants.
2. Barren and lifeless.
3. Made unfit for habitation or use because of neglect, destruction etc.
4. Dismal or dreary.
5. Sad, forlorn and hopeless.

## Etymology
From Middle English desolat(e). See Etymology 2 and -ate (adjective-forming suffix) for more.

## Easily confused with
- **detonate** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/desolate-vs-detonate)
- **deflate** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/deflate-vs-desolate)
- **decorate** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/decorate-vs-desolate)

## Common misspellings (11)
`ddesolate`, `deoslate`, `desloate`, `desoalte`, `desolaet`, `desolatte`, `desollate`, `desoltae`, `dessolate`, `dseolate`, `edsolate`

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/desolate