What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
wasteland
Example
The factory left behind a wasteland of polluted soil and water. [wasteland: noun]
Example
The once-thriving town was now a wasteland of empty buildings and broken dreams. [wasteland: metaphor]
wilderness
Example
We went camping in the wilderness for a week. [wilderness: noun]
Example
The hiker got lost in the wilderness and had to survive on his own. [wilderness: metaphor]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Wilderness is more commonly used than wasteland in everyday language. Wilderness is often associated with positive experiences such as adventure, exploration, and conservation, while wasteland is typically associated with negative experiences such as pollution, destruction, and abandonment.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between wasteland and wilderness?
Both wasteland and wilderness can be used in formal and informal contexts. However, wilderness may be more commonly used in academic or scientific settings due to its potential for research and study.
