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

Explanation

If something’s deserted it’s empty and abandoned. It's fun to spend an afternoon taking pictures of a deserted house with its overgrown yard and mysterious relics, but come nightfall it might feel a little spooky. The adjective deserted often describes an empty building that’s been abandoned by its owners, but you can use it for anything that’s remote or without any people around. You might get the chills when you walk down a deserted street at night. Deserted can also describe something that’s much less crowded than normal. On Super Bowl Sunday, the shopping mall might be deserted — everyone is home, watching the game.

Example Sentences

Out of nowhere, McIlroy took control of a swing that had deserted him.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 12, 2026

Dubai’s sprawling gold market is deserted, in part because buyers from abroad no longer come, and in part because of dramatic fluctuations in gold prices.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 27, 2026

Ali spoke of another friend who narrowly escaped death, and another who had deserted.

From BBC • Mar. 25, 2026

Black-clad men are seen stationed near roundabouts, zipping through deserted streets on scooters or inspecting buildings reduced to rubble.

From Barron's • Mar. 25, 2026

Jeb had irritated me some over the last few days, but I was disappointed to find the place was deserted.

From "The Seven Wonders of Sassafras Springs" by Betty G. Birney

Related Words

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