The adjective 'orphaned' describes a person, animal, or thing that has been deprived of a parent or parents, or, more broadly, something that is no longer supported or maintained by its originator or usual source. This can refer to human children who have lost their parents through death, abandonment, or other circumstances, but also extends to various metaphorical contexts, such as ideas, projects, or even software that has been neglected or discontinued. The term implies a state of vulnerability, loss, and sometimes abandonment, highlighting a lack of guidance, care, or support.
Orphaned meaning with examples
- The devastating earthquake left many children orphaned, their parents tragically lost in the rubble. Aid organizations worked tirelessly to provide these orphaned children with food, shelter, and emotional support, attempting to rebuild shattered lives in the aftermath of the disaster. The situation was heartbreaking, a stark reminder of the seismic event.
- After the company went bankrupt, the software development project became orphaned. With no funding or developers to maintain it, the once-promising software fell into disrepair. Users were frustrated, as essential updates and bug fixes became impossible, leaving the program vulnerable and obsolete.
- The historical documents revealed an orphaned family line. Their ancestral records were incomplete, leaving gaps in their lineage. Without definitive information about their forebears, their historical context was unclear, a mystery in need of solving.
- The stray kitten, orphaned at a young age, struggled to survive on the streets. It faced the dangers of traffic, hunger, and cold weather. Fortunately, a kind-hearted woman found the kitten and provided a safe home, where it could finally thrive.