Feeling hollow

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Feeling hollow" is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used to express a feeling of emptiness or sadness when something has been lost or taken away. For example: "John had been so excited to attend the graduation ceremony, but now that it had been canceled he was left feeling hollow."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

The interview felt hollow.

The New York Times

I felt hollow.

The New York Times - Magazine

Her limbs felt hollow.

The New Yorker

Winners feel hollow and insecure.

The New Yorker

But the pomp felt hollow.

The Economist

And we'll still feel hollow.

Independent

He'd say he felt hollow inside".

The New York Times

But increasingly the dream feels hollow.

The Guardian - Opinion

I felt hollow and restless, like an addict.

The New Yorker

But there was something about the homage that felt hollow.

The New York Times

And the moody "Love Dog" felt hollow and lagged a bit.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a situation or event that lacks substance, use "feeling hollow" to convey a sense of disappointment or lack of fulfillment. For example, "The victory felt hollow because of the unfair circumstances."

Common error

Avoid using "feeling hollow" in situations that are only mildly disappointing. It's a strong expression, and overusing it can dilute its impact and make your writing sound melodramatic. Choose a more understated phrase if the situation warrants it.

Linguistic Context

"Feeling hollow" functions as a descriptive phrase, typically used to express an emotional state. As confirmed by Ludwig, it accurately and effectively conveys a sense of emptiness or emotional void. It is composed of a present participle adjective "feeling" modifying the adjective "hollow". Examples in Ludwig show its wide use in expressing personal experiences and reactions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "feeling hollow" is a common and grammatically sound way to express a sense of emptiness or lack of fulfillment. As Ludwig AI confirms, it effectively conveys an emotional state and is widely used across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While the phrase is versatile, it's important to use it judiciously, avoiding overuse in overly dramatic situations. Alternatives like "feeling empty inside" or "feeling unfulfilled" can offer a nuanced approach to describing similar emotions. The phrase’s prevalence in authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian underscores its legitimacy and broad understanding.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Feeling empty inside

Adds "inside" to specify the location of the feeling, emphasizing an emotional or spiritual emptiness.

Having a sense of hollowness

Nominalizes the phrase, using "hollowness" as a noun to describe the feeling.

Experiencing emptiness

Replaces the adjective "hollow" with the noun "emptiness", focusing on the state of being empty.

Sensing a void

Substitutes "feeling" with "sensing" and "hollow" with "a void", emphasizing the perception of emptiness.

Feeling unfulfilled

Replaces "hollow" with "unfulfilled", shifting the focus to a lack of satisfaction or purpose.

Feeling devoid of emotion

Replaces "hollow" with "devoid of emotion", specifying a lack of emotional feeling.

Feeling like something is missing

Expresses the feeling of "hollow" by suggesting that something essential is absent.

Enduring a sense of meaninglessness

Focuses on the lack of purpose and significance associated with feeling "hollow".

Struggling with feelings of emptiness

This alternative emphasizes the difficulty and effort required to cope with the emotion.

Grappling with a profound sense of desolation

This option conveys intense feelings of sadness and isolation.

FAQs

What does it mean to say I'm "feeling hollow"?

Saying you're "feeling hollow" means you're experiencing a sense of emptiness, sadness, or lack of fulfillment. It often suggests a loss or disappointment that leaves you feeling emotionally drained.

What can I say instead of "feeling hollow"?

You can use alternatives like "feeling empty inside", "feeling unfulfilled", or "experiencing emptiness" depending on the context.

How to use "feeling hollow" in a sentence?

You can use "feeling hollow" to describe your emotional state after a disappointing event. For example, "After the project failed, I was left feeling hollow".

Is "feeling hollow" a formal or informal expression?

"Feeling hollow" is generally considered a neutral expression suitable for both informal and formal contexts. However, consider your audience and the overall tone of your writing to ensure it fits appropriately.