What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
desolation
Example
The abandoned town was a picture of desolation. [desolation: noun]
Example
After the death of her husband, she felt a deep sense of desolation. [desolation: noun]
devastation
Example
The hurricane left a trail of devastation in its wake. [devastation: noun]
Example
She was devastated by the news of her father's death. [devastated: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Devastation is more commonly used than desolation in everyday language, especially in the context of natural disasters or war. Desolation is less common and tends to be used in more literary or poetic contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between desolation and devastation?
Both desolation and devastation are formal words and are not commonly used in casual conversation. However, devastation is more versatile and can be used in various formality levels, while desolation is more commonly used in formal or literary contexts.
