If your novel has characters that end up on island where there is no one else there, write the relevant chapters dramatically by using the 10 words to describe a deserted island we’ve included below.
1. Lonesome
Definition
Sad or dejected because of a lack of companionship; causing feelings of loneliness; remote.
Examples
“When the ship finally reached the sad, lonesome island in the middle of the sea, they realized how far away from civilization they truly were.”
“They sailed for many days straight, finally coming across a small, lonesome island about two weeks later.”
How It Adds Description
Since a deserted island isn’t going to have any people on it, it likely feels pretty lonesome. This loneliness can also reflect any feelings that a character in your story might have if they’ve been abandoned on a deserted island.
2. Remote
Definition
Separated by a space or interval that’s greater than usual; out of the way; secluded.
Examples
“They knew the deserted island was remote, but they hadn’t realized how treacherous the journey would be to get there.”
“Looking at the map, she could see how remote the island was—almost in uncharted territory.”
How It Adds Description
A deserted island doesn’t necessarily have to be far away from other land masses, but it can certainly help to make it feel lonelier. Describing it as remote will help to indicate how very far away it is from civilization.
3. Peaceful
Definition
Untroubled by commotion or agitation; lacking in violence or force; tranquil, quiet.
Examples
“Because the island had been abandoned for so long, nature had started to reclaim it, and everywhere they went felt peaceful.”
“The peaceful island sat in the middle of the ocean, and hadn’t had any visitors in a very long time.”
How It Adds Description
Visiting a deserted island can certainly trigger feelings of fear or anxiety, especially if it was deserted under mysterious circumstances. But an empty island can also be very peaceful, and a character visiting it may even find it comforting.
4. Creepy
Definition
Causing feelings of unease or apprehension; eerie or unpleasant.
Examples
“As soon as he stepped off the ship and began exploring the creepy island, he began to get the sense that something was watching him.”
“The island had been completely abandoned a long time ago, and seeing all the old ruins where people used to live made the whole place feel creepy.”
How It Adds Description
If the character visiting the deserted island in your story finds it uneasy to be there, then you can use the word creepy to describe the island. This is an especially great way to describe it if something terrible happened on the island previously.
5. Quiet
Definition
Free from any noise or uproar; unobtrusive; marked by little activity or commotion.
Examples
“They reached the quiet island the next morning, where they unloaded all of their gear onto the beach before setting off.”
“Even though he knew it had been deserted, he hadn’t expected the island to feel as quiet as it did.”
How It Adds Description
A deserted island can be quiet in a way that feels almost comforting or pleasant, or in a way that feels much more ominous. Either way, because it’s been deserted, the island is likely to feel much quieter than other places your characters may have been to.
6. Secluded
Definition
Hidden or screened from view; solitary.
Examples
“He had had such a bad time on the mainland that he decided to go spend a few days on the secluded deserted island.”
“The island was quite secluded and difficult to get to, but it offered beautiful views.”
How It Adds Description
You can use this word to help the deserted island feel isolated. It may also be a good place for a character who is trying to hide to go.
7. Dangerous
Definition
Potentially causing harm; capable of inflicting pain, loss, or injury.
Examples
“It was going to be difficult getting to the island, and there was no denying that the island itself was quite dangerous.”
“The deserted island was a dangerous one to explore, but if they successfully found the treasure, then it would all be worth it.”
How It Adds Description
The island in your story may have been deserted because there was something dangerous about it. When a character in your story heads there, they may also have to encounter and navigate these dangers.
8. Windswept
Definition
Appearing as if swept by the wind.
Examples
“The sand on the island’s beach appeared windswept, and their footsteps were the first ones to walk through it in many, many years.”
“Rain fell heavily on the windswept island, and she tried desperately to use her arm to shield her face from it and from the merciless winds.”
How It Adds Description
Describing the effects that weather has had on a place can help to bring it to life. Using the word windswept can help your island feel even more deserted, like wind is the only thing that has touched it in a long time.
9. Sunny
Definition
Marked by sunshine; full of sunlight; optimistic and cheerful; exposed to, warmed by, or brightened by the sun.
Examples
“He reached the sunny island in the late afternoon and sat with his back against a tree in the shade while he ate.”
“Despite being so far away from everything, the sunny island was welcoming and made for a comfortable place to spend the night.”
How It Adds Description
Show your readers that there is hope and promise on this island by describing it as sunny. It’s also a good way to generally describe the weather and warmth of the deserted island.
10. Promising
Definition
Likely to yield good results; full of promise.
Examples
“A long time ago, the island had been deserted under mysterious circumstances, but the fact that it may still contain treasure made it a promising place to visit.”
“He marked the deserted island on the map as the most promising part of their adventure.”
How It Adds Description
There might be something of interest to the characters in your story on the deserted island they are visiting. In this case, you can describe the island as promising.