- 1a large area of land that has never been developed or used for growing crops because it is difficult to live there The Antarctic is the world's last great wilderness. a wilderness area (= one where it is not permitted to build houses or roads) (figurative) the barren wilderness of modern life
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- 2a place that people do not take care of or control Their yard is a wilderness of grass and weeds. That part of the city is a wilderness of run-down houses and derelict factories. Idioms
no longer in an important position, especially in politics After three years in the wilderness she was given a government post.
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