In the wilderness
prepositional phrase
In a place, situation or state where one feels lost, without guidance or support.
His parents felt like they were in the wilderness while navigating the new immigration rules.
Often appears as...
- feel in the wilderness
- found themselves in the wilderness
Usage tips
Idiomatic
prepositional phrase
In a natural environment that is not affected by human activity, often a place with no people or buildings.
Jim lived in the wilderness for three months as part of a survival test.
Often appears as...
- living in the wilderness
- lost in the wilderness
prepositional phrase
In a situation without influence, popularity or recognition, especially in politics.
After the scandal, the once-popular politician found himself in the wilderness.
Often appears as...
- politician in the wilderness
- party in the wilderness
Usage tips
Colloquial
prepositional phrase
In a place, situation or state where one feels lost, without guidance or support.
His parents felt like they were in the wilderness while navigating the new immigration rules.
Often appears as...
- feel in the wilderness
- found themselves in the wilderness
Usage tips
Idiomatic
prepositional phrase
In a natural environment that is not affected by human activity, often a place with no people or buildings.
Jim lived in the wilderness for three months as part of a survival test.
Often appears as...
- living in the wilderness
- lost in the wilderness
prepositional phrase
In a situation without influence, popularity or recognition, especially in politics.
After the scandal, the once-popular politician found himself in the wilderness.
Often appears as...
- politician in the wilderness
- party in the wilderness
Usage tips
Colloquial
Definition 1 of 3
Pro Tip 1/2Emotional Impact
The phrase often conveys feelings of confusion, being lost or a lack of direction.
After losing his job, he felt in the wilderness for months.
Pro Tip 2/2Seeking Guidance
Use it when someone is searching for help or direction in a complex situation.
She was in the wilderness, looking for a mentor in her field.
Pro Tip 1/2Emotional Impact
The phrase often conveys feelings of confusion, being lost or a lack of direction.
After losing his job, he felt in the wilderness for months.
Pro Tip 2/2Seeking Guidance
Use it when someone is searching for help or direction in a complex situation.
She was in the wilderness, looking for a mentor in her field.
Pro Tip 1/2Emotional Impact
The phrase often conveys feelings of confusion, being lost or a lack of direction.
After losing his job, he felt in the wilderness for months.
Pro Tip 2/2Seeking Guidance
Use it when someone is searching for help or direction in a complex situation.
She was in the wilderness, looking for a mentor in her field.
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