What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
forlorn
Example
The forlorn child sat alone on the bench, waiting for someone to pick him up. [forlorn: adjective]
Example
The forlorn house on the hill had been abandoned for years, with broken windows and overgrown weeds. [forlorn: adjective]
abandoned
Example
The abandoned factory was now a haven for graffiti artists and urban explorers. [abandoned: adjective]
Example
The old man felt abandoned by his family, who had moved away and never visited him. [abandoned: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Abandoned is more commonly used than forlorn in everyday language. Abandoned is a more practical and factual term that can be used in many situations, while forlorn is less common and often used in literary or poetic contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between forlorn and abandoned?
Both forlorn and abandoned are relatively formal words that may not be suitable for casual or informal conversations. However, abandoned is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, while forlorn is more likely to be used in literary or artistic expressions.
