air of neglect

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "air of neglect" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation, place, or person that appears to be uncared for or overlooked. Example: "The old house had an air of neglect, with peeling paint and overgrown weeds in the yard."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Maybe it's the stultifying decor, the air of neglect kept just at bay.

The Guardian - Arts

The adjoining special collections reading room, a charmless space where archival researchers in music, dance and theater are compelled to work together, exudes a dispirited air of neglect.

The New York Times

We were surrounded by the marks of a temporary existence: new Ikea-style furniture, mismatched curtains, piled-up books and a general air of neglect.

The New York Times - Magazine

ALTHOUGH Robyn Sklaren and Brian Fountain's kitchen is spotless, with nice new cabinets and countertops, it has the sad air of neglect.

The New York Times

Although a 1973 renovation made it one of the first indoor malls in the region, the ceiling tiles are now marred by water stains and a scattering of burned-out light bulbs give it an air of neglect.

The New York Times

The neighborhood, known in the 1850s as Cool Blow Village and now as the Upper Peninsula, was dotted with small houses, warehouses and metal sheds; had only a few sidewalks; and was infused with an air of neglect.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

There was an air of loving neglect surrounding many of the monuments, despite the fact that, in the early 20th century, Carcassonne had set out to market itself as a tourist destination.

The Guardian - Travel

The vast shed we have arrived at has an air of post-industrial neglect, but everything is subject to Alice in Wonderland-like distortions of scale.

The Guardian

On a chilly January morning, the maidan is covered in litter; around its edge, the homeless sleep under makeshift shelters, warmed by little bonfires of rubbish; pigs sift empty plastic bags; even the children half-heartedly playing cricket seem infected by the air of rot and neglect.

The Economist

Civic buildings were in a state of disrepair, the roads were full of craters, and even here, at a private and somewhat privileged facility, the air was heavy with the scent of neglect.

The Guardian - Books

With continuing budgetary restraints, the air force remained in an overall state of neglect during the 1920s.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "air of neglect" to create a specific mood or atmosphere in your writing. It is particularly effective when describing settings or objects that evoke feelings of sadness or abandonment.

Common error

Avoid using "air of neglect" to describe active neglect or negligence. The phrase implies a passive state of being uncared for, not an active process of neglecting.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "air of neglect" functions primarily as a noun phrase that modifies another noun, often describing a setting or object. It conveys a quality or characteristic, imbuing the subject with a particular atmosphere. Ludwig AI confirms this with multiple examples showing its use in describing places and situations.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "air of neglect" is a noun phrase used to describe a setting, object, or situation that conveys a sense of being uncared for or abandoned. Ludwig AI's analysis indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct and most frequently found in News & Media and Science contexts. While not exceedingly common, it's a potent descriptor for setting a specific mood in writing. As highlighted by the writing guidance, it's essential to use the phrase accurately, focusing on passive neglect rather than active negligence. Alternatives like "sense of abandonment" or "feeling of disregard" can be used to express similar sentiments with slight nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sense of abandonment

Focuses on the feeling of being deserted or forsaken, shifting the emphasis from appearance to emotion.

feeling of disregard

Emphasizes a lack of attention or concern, highlighting the emotional impact of neglect.

atmosphere of decay

Highlights the process of deterioration and decline, focusing on the physical state resulting from neglect.

aura of dilapidation

Uses a more formal tone to describe a state of disrepair and ruin.

look of disrepair

Shifts the focus to the visual appearance of neglect, emphasizing the physical condition.

semblance of abandonment

Suggests an outward appearance that mimics true desertion or neglect.

appearance of neglect

Similar to 'look of disrepair' but broader, encompassing all visible signs of being uncared for.

neglected state

A more direct, less figurative way to express the condition of being neglected.

run-down condition

Focuses on the deteriorated state of something, typically a building or area.

shabby appearance

Highlights the worn and unattractive look resulting from a lack of maintenance or care.

FAQs

How can I use "air of neglect" in a sentence?

You can use "air of neglect" to describe a place or thing that looks uncared for, for example: "The abandoned house had an air of neglect about it."

What can I say instead of "air of neglect"?

You can use alternatives like "sense of abandonment", "feeling of disregard", or "appearance of neglect" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "an air of neglect" or "the air of neglect"?

Both are grammatically correct, but "an air of neglect" is more common when introducing the idea for the first time, while "the air of neglect" is used when referring to a specific instance already established in the context.

What is the difference between "air of neglect" and "state of disrepair"?

"Air of neglect" describes the feeling or impression of being uncared for, while "state of disrepair" focuses on the physical condition of being damaged or deteriorated. The former evokes an emotional response, whereas the latter is more descriptive.