wilderness
/ˈwɪl.də.nəs/ IELTSAcademic
noun
A large area of land where few or no people live, and nature is not controlled by people. It may be forests, mountains, deserts, or empty countryside.
- They camped deep in the wilderness.
- Wild animals still live in the wilderness.
- The road ends at the edge of the wilderness.
Adinary Nuance
Wilderness is broader and more natural than words like forest or desert. A forest is a place with many trees, and a desert is very dry land, but wilderness can be any remote, undeveloped area. It also suggests a place outside human control, not just an empty space.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- vùng hoang dã
- Spanish
- naturaleza salvaje
- Chinese
- 荒野
- Japanese
- 荒野
- Korean
- 황야
Etymology
Wilderness comes from Old English words linked to wild land and untamed places. It has been used in English since early times for land away from towns and farms.
Common phrases
the wildernessdeep wildernesswilderness areasurvive in the wilderness
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is wilderness the same as forest?
- No. A forest is only a tree-covered area. Wilderness can include forests, mountains, deserts, and other remote land.
- Is wilderness a common word in academic English?
- Yes, especially in geography, environmental studies, and writing about nature or conservation.
- Can I use wilderness for a city park?
- Usually no. Wilderness suggests a place far from human settlement, with little control or development.