If you need some words to describe a post-apocalyptic world in your novel, we’re here to help! Read on to learn about 10 words you can use right away.
1. Desolate
Definition
Somewhere lacking in amenities or empty of residents.
Examples
“Ever since the troubles, he looked around at the desolate world with deep sadness.”
“The desolate world never recovered from the harsh punishment it was subjected to.”
How it Adds Description
The word “desolate” can be used as a device to emphasize the destruction of your post-apocalyptic world. Since “desolate” is linked with a lack of people, it’s a great device to show your reader how many didn’t survive the plot’s apocalyptic event. Also, it can help to build up a sense of isolation or foreboding — ideal if your novel is a thriller or horror.
2. Ruthless
Definition
To describe a person or world that doesn’t have concern for its effects on others.
Examples
“The ruthless world never stopped turning, leaving its few inhabitants fighting for survival.”
“She stood up and took a deep breath, she was going back out into the ruthless world.”
How it Adds Description
Societal collapses leave worlds without order, and the adjective “ruthless” captures this tough sentiment. This word can further your plot by telling the reader how hard your characters have to fight for survival, as a “ruthless” world doesn’t provide any comforts.
3. Chaotic
Definition
Something or somewhere that’s in a state of confusion and disorder.
Examples
“As the days since the collapse happened, the chaotic world descended deeper and deeper into madness.”
“She could not sleep at night, the chaotic world continued to brawl outside her window.”
How it Adds Description
Post-apocalyptic societies tend to be disorganized, especially after a traumatic event, and the word “chaotic” perfectly encapsulates this state. The word “chaotic” offers a crazy image of the world to your reader, and it can also be used to build up to a plot twist or large event later in your novel.
4. Precarious
Definition
A situation or place that has no control and might fail at any moment.
Examples
“It was a precarious world, you never knew how your day would end.”
“He glanced at the newly precarious world and wondered if it would ever look like it used to.”
How it Adds Description
The word “precarious” implies that a place or event is so out of control that it could fall unexpectedly. While many post-apocalyptic societies have experienced a life-changing event, this word can be used to emphasize the danger of living in such a place. “Precarious” also helps to foreshadow a further plot point and is a good adjective for building suspense or foreshadowing.
5. Ghastly
Definition
Somewhere or something very unpleasant.
Examples
“The ghastly world was getting to her, and she could feel it in her bones.”
“Only a ghastly world could make you feel so homesick.”
How it Adds Description
The word “ghastly” is an adjective that describes the horrible state of a world, and it’s a fitting choice for a negative post-apocalyptic setting. However, it can also emphasize a character’s discomfort in the world if used in their thoughts or narration — ideal if you want your audience to have a better understanding of their character.
6. Catastrophic
Definition
Somewhere that’s experienced or experiencing a terrible disaster, or is very bad.
Examples
“As the catastrophic world crumbled around him, he wished he’d listened to the mysterious guide’s advice.”
“After the war, the catastrophic world never saw real stability again.”
How it Adds Description
The word “catastrophic” offers strong negative connotations, allowing you to convey how terrible and chaotic your post-apocalyptic world is. This term is helpful if you want to signify the damage from the apocalyptic event, further heightening the contrast of the setting before and after the event.
7. Perilous
Definition
Something or somewhere very dangerous.
Examples
“Don’t travel to that perilous world alone, you won’t make it back alive.”
“She looked out into the perilous world and feared for her safety.”
How it Adds Description
“Perilous” describes the high possibility of danger in your post-apocalyptic society. This can be especially useful if you want to foreshadow upcoming danger in the plot. It can also heighten the feelings of suspense which will keep your readers turning the pages.
8. Debilitated
Definition
A place that’s in a very weak state.
Examples
“The world was debilitated, it would never be as prosperous as it was ten years ago.”
“Why would anyone ever want to live in such a debilitated world?”
How it Adds Description
The word “debilitated” explains how weak your post-apocalyptic world is. This could refer to its physical elements, societal structure, or economic state — allowing you to really portray its lack of strength to your audience. The work can also show the struggle your characters experience while living there, creating clear emotions for your reader.
9. Dreary
Definition
Somewhere that’s dull and lifeless.
Examples
“The dreary world never changed, every day was the same after the war.”
“It was a dreary world but he continued to work hard, despite the lack of profit and thanks.”
How it Adds Description
Post-apocalyptic worlds are rarely positive places, and “dreary” confirms to your reader that your setting is not a nice place. The word “dreary” provides an image of a world that’s not thriving, hinting to your reader that it’s not going to get any better. This word can also show your character’s frustration with the place, and this can help your audience understand their actions better.
10. Depraved
Definition
A place or a person that’s morally evil or extremely bad.
Examples
“She wanted out of the depraved world, and would give anything to rid herself of its evil.”
“The depraved world took positive souls and consumed them, leaving no remains of their joy anywhere.”
How it Adds Description
The word “depraved” is a strong adjective that shows the intensity and horrors of a post-apocalyptic world. This word can convey feelings of fear from your characters, leaving your reader with more understanding of the setting’s effects on them. It’s also a strong word for world building, especially if you want to emphasize the terrors of your location.