1. The state of being decayed or destroyed
   "The desolation of the abandoned town was eerie";
   - devastation
    
2. A bleak and desolate atmosphere
   "The desolation of the abandoned town was striking";
   - bleakness, bareness, nakedness
    
3. Sadness resulting from being forsaken or abandoned
   "The desolation of the abandoned puppy was heartbreaking";
   - forlornness, loneliness
    
4. An event that results in total destruction
   "The war left a trail of desolation across the country";
   - devastation

Derived forms: desolations

Type of: deterioration, gloom, gloominess, glumness, impairment, ruin, ruination, sadness, unhappiness

Encyclopedia: Desolation