Real Dictionary

desert
A desert is a large area of land, usually in a hot region, where there is almost no water, rain, trees, or plants.
If you refer to a place or situation as a desert, you think it is bad for people because it is not interesting, exciting, or useful in any way.

desert in American English 1
to forsake (someone or something that one ought not to leave); abandon
to leave one's post, military duty, etc. without permission and with no intent to return, or, in war, in order to avoid hazardous duty
adjective: of, pertaining to, or like a desert; desolate; barren
noun: a region so arid because of little rainfall that it supports only sparse and widely spaced vegetation or no vegetation at all

desert in American English 2
an uncultivated region without inhabitants; wilderness
of a desert or deserts
intransitive verb: to forsake or leave one's duty, obligations, etc.
transitive verb: to leave (a person, place, etc.) without intending to return, esp. in violation of a duty, promise, or the like

desert in American English 3
the fact of deserving reward or punishment
noun: reward or punishment that is deserved

desert in British English 1
noun: a region that is devoid or almost devoid of vegetation, esp because of low rainfall

desert in British English 2
verb: to leave or abandon (a person, place, etc) without intending to return, esp in violation of a duty, promise, or obligation

desert in British English 3
noun: something that is deserved or merited; just reward or punishment