Godforsaken

/ˈɡɑdˌfɔrsən/ adjective

Definition

Abandoned by God or luck; extremely remote, desolate, or in a state of complete neglect and despair.

Etymology

Compound of 'god' and 'forsaken' (past participle of 'forsake,' meaning to abandon). The term emerged in English around the 18th century to describe places or situations felt to be hopeless.

Kelly Says

The phrase 'godforsaken' is paradoxically used by both religious and secular people to express despair—showing how religious language becomes embedded in everyday speech even for those who might not be religious.

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