Didn't stay uninhabited (8)

I believe the answer is:

deserted

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'uninhabited' is the definition.
(synonyms)

I can't explain the rest of the clue.

(Other definitions for deserted that I've seen before include "Defected, renounced" , "fled" , "Illegally left army" , "Derelict" , "Empty of people" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail, The Telegraph and The Guardian.

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