deserted

American  

[dih-zur-tid] / dɪˈzɜr tɪd /

adjective

1. abandoned; forsaken.

   the problems of deserted wives and children.

2. untenanted: without inhabitants.

   a deserted village; a deserted farmhouse.

3. unfrequented; lonely.

   The victim was lured to a deserted spot.

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Other Word Forms

• undeserted adjective

Etymology

Origin of deserted

First recorded in 1620–30; desert ² + -ed ²

Example Sentences

The confidence and swagger that had so recently defined Team USA had deserted them.

From The Wall Street Journal

Now I just need a reason for my hero to find a large sack on a deserted tropical island!

From Literature

“No grownups!” the boys exult, upon realizing they are on a deserted island after the plane evacuating them from Britain is shot down.

From The Wall Street Journal

Fifteen years ago, Beijing's Liangma riverbanks would have been smog-choked and deserted in winter, but these days they are dotted with families and exercising pensioners most mornings.

From Barron's

Placards by a monument read "let the ferries in" and "this town is ours", however the place appears to be deserted.

From BBC

Related Words

• barren
• derelict
• desolate
• empty
• forlorn
• isolated
• lonely
• neglected
• uninhabited
• vacant