absence of compassion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "absence of compassion" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or behavior where there is a lack of empathy or kindness towards others. Example: "The absence of compassion in his actions left many feeling hurt and abandoned."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

While she had not administered the beatings, she had shown a 'complete absence of compassion for the victims'.

The Guardian

His critics say economic growth has lesser value with the absence of compassion for victims of the riots.

The New York Times

But there is also an underlying philosophy of hatred, destruction, and power which is drawn from the darker side of esoteric thought, and in which there is a notable absence of compassion.

The Guardian

Honesty in the absence of compassion is cruelty.

Huffington Post

Intentional harm and the absence of compassion make an action more violent.

Wikipedia

Eric Cassell writes that this lack of recognition and treatment of suffering does not come about because of an absence of compassion or concern, but more often results from physicians' poor diagnostic and therapeutic knowledge and skills about persons.

BMC Palliative Care

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

The Francis report damned the absence of "care, compassion, humanity and leadership" at "all levels" of the trust.

The Guardian

Asides from the absence of basic compassion shown to women fleeing sexual violence, day-to-day life is far from easy for these women.

Vice

But in a country where women are effectively seen as second-class citizens, where they're encouraged to ​swap their fertility for fridges and TVs, the absence of human compassion that surrounds these mentally and physically destructive crimes isn't surprising. .

Vice

It's upsetting to read about this stuff, but in a country where women are effectively seen as second-class citizens, where they're encouraged to ​swap their fertility for fridges and​ TVs, the absence of human compassion that surrounds these mentally and physically destructive crimes isn't surprising. .

Vice

Unforgivable though, is Madonna's absence of decency and compassion.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "absence of compassion" when you want to emphasize a lack of empathy or caring in a specific situation or towards a particular group of people.

Common error

Avoid using "absence of compassion" in situations where a more nuanced term like "lack of understanding" or "differing priorities" might be more appropriate. Overusing it can make your writing sound overly judgmental or simplistic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "absence of compassion" functions as a noun phrase that typically serves as the subject or object of a sentence, describing the lack of a particular quality. Ludwig AI confirms this usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "absence of compassion" is a grammatically sound noun phrase used to describe a lack of empathy or caring. Ludwig AI indicates this is used across news, scientific, and wiki contexts, most often to express concern or criticism. While "absence of compassion" is relatively uncommon, alternatives like "lack of empathy" or "devoid of kindness" can be used depending on the desired nuance. When using the phrase, writers should be mindful of the context and avoid overuse in overly emotional settings. The phrase is suitable for neutral and formal registers.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lack of empathy

Focuses on the emotional understanding aspect of compassion.

want of sympathy

Emphasizes the missing feeling of shared emotion or concern.

devoid of kindness

Highlights the absence of gentle and considerate behavior.

heartlessness

Implies a cold and uncaring nature.

callousness

Suggests insensitivity and indifference to the suffering of others.

lack of human understanding

Points to a failure to comprehend the feelings and needs of others.

insensitivity

Highlights the lack of awareness or concern for others' feelings.

apathy

Emphasizes a lack of interest or concern.

indifference

Suggests a neutral or detached attitude toward others' suffering.

unfeeling nature

Focuses on the lack of emotional response or warmth.

FAQs

How can I use "absence of compassion" in a sentence?

You can use "absence of compassion" to describe a situation where empathy or kindness is lacking. For example: "The leader's decisions showed a complete "absence of compassion" for the victims."

What are some alternatives to "absence of compassion"?

Some alternatives include "lack of empathy", "want of sympathy", or "devoid of kindness". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to say "lack of compassion" or "absence of compassion"?

"Lack of compassion" and "absence of compassion" are largely interchangeable. "Lack" might be slightly more common in everyday speech, but "absence" can add a more formal or emphatic tone.

What does it mean when someone shows an "absence of compassion"?

It means they are not showing empathy, understanding, or kindness towards others, particularly those who are suffering or in need. This can manifest as indifference, disregard, or even active cruelty.