wilderness
n. C / Un. a wild, natural area where people do not live and there are no buildings or roads. It is a place where nature is left alone to grow freely.
n. an uncultivated, uninhabited, and natural region left in its wild state. Often used metaphorically in political contexts to describe a period of being out of power or favor.
The hikers spent a week exploring the mountain wilderness.
National parks protect vast areas of wilderness to ensure that native plants and animals can thrive without human interference.
After losing the election, the former prime minister spent a decade in the political wilderness before being asked to lead the party once again.
Usually takes the definite article 'the' when referring to a specific wild region or the metaphorical state of political isolation.