a state of emptiness

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a state of emptiness" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a feeling of void or lack, often in emotional or philosophical contexts. Example: "After the loss, she found herself in a state of emptiness, struggling to find meaning in her daily life."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

In this sense, Wang Bi speaks of the sage as embracing "emptiness and quiescence" (e.g., commentary to Laozi 16), or as having returned to a state of "emptiness and nothingness" (commentary to Laozi 48).

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

"Not having a session has created a state of psychological emptiness" among those elected, he said.

The New York Times

But central to mystical life is the understanding of spiritual or mystical poverty, a state of inner emptiness or surrender, of offering oneself completely.

Huffington Post

The juxtaposition may seem stunningly inappropriate, but then Lee did theorise that a good fighter must keep his mind in a perpetual state of emptiness, surely something the average brand manager is familiar with.

The Guardian - Tech

On the other hand, languishing is the absence of mental health as a state of being mentally unhealthy, equivalent to stagnation and emptiness or that life lacks interest and engagement [ 17].

Health and Quality of Life Outcomes

The completion stages are divided into completion practices "without sign" that include Rig-pa meditation, a practice during which the meditator visualizes the dissolution of the Deity and its entourage into emptiness and aspires to achieve a state of awareness that is devoid of conceptualization [ 73, 74].

BioMed Research International

The eight items of the exhaustion subscale refer to general feelings of emptiness at work, overtaxing from work, a strong need for rest from work, and a state of physical exhaustion through work [ 7].

BioMed Research International

Allowing thoughts to come and go instead of trying to maintain absolute emptiness seems counter-intuitive, but it is often what makes and breaks a state of total relaxation.

WikiHow

(Zayre's equals a shade of emptiness along the lines of Sartre's "nausea").

The New Yorker

This last piece, to a score by Kenneth Kirschner and Tibetan bell meditation music, was inspired in part by the Asian tsunami of 2004 and by the Zen Buddhist state of an emptiness of mind that leads to spiritual fullness.

The New York Times - Arts

For some people the house's present state of comparative emptiness may give it the chill air of austerity, symbolised by the vacant cage which was once home to the Courtaulds' ill-tempered pet lemur although a furry toy may soon be locked inside to keep young visitors happy.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a state of emptiness", consider the specific context to ensure it accurately conveys the intended meaning. It is often used to describe emotional, spiritual, or philosophical conditions, so ensure the surrounding language supports this interpretation.

Common error

Avoid using "a state of emptiness" as a generic descriptor for negative emotions. Instead, consider more specific terms like "sadness", "loneliness", or "disappointment" if those better reflect the situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a state of emptiness" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It describes a condition or situation characterized by a lack of content, substance, or emotional fulfillment. As Ludwig AI points out, it's a usable expression that describes a feeling of void or lack.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a state of emptiness" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that describes a feeling of void or lack, suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in describing emotional, spiritual, or philosophical conditions. While widely applicable, it's essential to consider the context to ensure it conveys the intended meaning accurately, avoiding overuse as a generic descriptor. Alternatives such as ""a sense of void"" or ""a feeling of desolation"" might be more appropriate depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a sense of void

Focuses on the feeling of absence or lack.

a feeling of desolation

Emphasizes loneliness and abandonment.

a condition of nothingness

Highlights the complete absence of something.

a sense of hollowness

Implies an internal lack or absence of substance.

a period of inactivity

Focuses on lack of action or movement.

a phase of dormancy

Suggests a temporary period of inactivity or sleep.

a time of inertia

Emphasizes a lack of motivation or energy.

a void in one's life

Highlights a significant absence or lack.

an emotional vacuum

Focuses on the absence of emotions.

a lack of fulfillment

Emphasizes the absence of satisfaction or completion.

FAQs

How can I use "a state of emptiness" in a sentence?

You can use "a state of emptiness" to describe a feeling of void or lack, often in emotional or philosophical contexts. For example, "After the project ended, he found himself in "a state of emptiness", unsure of what to do next".

What are some alternatives to "a state of emptiness"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "a sense of void", "a feeling of desolation", or "a condition of nothingness".

Is "a state of emptiness" formal or informal?

"A state of emptiness" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, depending on the subject matter. It's suitable for discussions about emotional states, philosophical concepts, or even describing a lack of activity or content.

What does "a state of emptiness" mean in a philosophical context?

In philosophy, "a state of emptiness" can refer to a lack of inherent existence or a detachment from worldly desires, often associated with concepts in Buddhism and Taoism.