stranded

Stranded is an adjective used to describe a person or object that is unable to move from a particular location or has been left in a place against their will. The term often arises from external circumstances such as weather, mechanical failure, or travel disruptions, and it can apply to people, vehicles, or goods.

Common scenarios include travelers who are stranded at airports, train stations, ports, or road junctions, and passengers unable to depart due to delays or cancellations. Mariners or vessels may become stranded at sea or near shore following storms, damage, or navigation problems. Stranded conditions can also occur after natural disasters, political interventions, or other emergencies that block usual routes of movement.

Economically, stranded can describe assets that have lost their value or usefulness before use, due to changes in technology, regulation, or market demand; the term stranded asset is used in finance and energy policy discussions.

In culture and media, Stranded is a common title for various works, including films, television episodes, and novels. The phrase appears in music, gaming, and storytelling to denote themes of isolation, entrapment, and the disruption of travel.