# vastness

/ˈvæstnəs/ (US) · /vˈɑːstnəs/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/vastness
Updated: 2026-10-15

## Definition

an extremely large size or space that feels endless. You use it for oceans, deserts, or the night sky.

For teachers: immense extent in size, area, or scope, often so great as to overwhelm perception.

## Examples

- They stare at the vastness of the ocean.
- Standing in the desert, she feels small against the vastness of sand in every direction.
- From the mountain summit, the vastness of the forested valleys below made the distant towns look like scattered grains of salt.

## Synonyms

expanse, immensity

## Usage notes

- Commonly followed by 'of' to specify what is vast, as in 'the vastness of the sky'.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.