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wilderness

[C/U] Both
pl: wildernesses

This term carries a strong sense of raw, untamed power and isolation. It suggests a place where human laws and infrastructure do not apply, leaving the individual vulnerable to the whims of nature. It is often associated with a feeling of sublime awe or a dangerous lack of control. In a cultural context, it frequently represents a frontier for exploration or a spiritual sanctuary for those seeking escape from urban congestion. While a forest is simply a collection of trees, a wilderness is a state of being wild and uncontrolled, emphasizing the absence of human intervention.

Uncountable when describing the general state of wild nature. Countable when referring to a specific geographical region designated as a wild area.

Meanings

Noun
[something]

An uncultivated, uninhabited region in a natural state.

"The hikers spent three days in the Alaskan wilderness."

Last Updated: May 27, 2026Report an Error