wasteland

American  

[weyst-land] / ˈweɪstˌlænd /

noun

1. land that is uncultivated or barren.

2. an area that is devastated, as by flood, storm, or war.

3. something, as a period of history, phase of existence, or locality, that is spiritually or intellectually barren.

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wasteland British  

/ ˈweɪstˌlænd /

noun

1. a barren or desolate area of land, not or no longer used for cultivation or building

2. a region, period in history, etc, that is considered spiritually, intellectually, or aesthetically barren or desolate

   American television is a cultural wasteland

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Etymology

Origin of wasteland

First recorded in 1630–40; waste + -land

Example Sentences

Bare-knuckle is the oldest form of boxing but became associated with unlicensed fights on wastelands after The Marquess of Queensberry rules were introduced in 1867, which insisted on gloves.

From BBC

Millions of visitors are going to experience American cities that they’ve been told are unlivable wastelands.

From Salon

She said rubbish was often dumped directly outside her door, on nearby steps and on surrounding wasteland, blocking drains and creating serious health risks.

From BBC

But now it was eerie, the tranquil lake with these skeletons that had once towered proudly over forests and villages, standing in their watery wasteland.

From Literature

In both public perception and official policy, savannas in India and elsewhere have often been labeled "wastelands."

From Science Daily

Related Words

• desert
• swamp