alienated

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "alienated" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a feeling of isolation or estrangement from a group or society. Example: "After moving to a new city, she felt alienated from her old friends and struggled to make new connections."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Because these young people feel alienated, they are drawn to groups who tell them they can be part of something, find meaning, make a difference and become a hero.

The Guardian

If the people Robert Carlyle plays tend to have one thing in common, it is that they are alienated outsiders – though, if you ask him how he chooses his roles, this is the very last thing he will mention.

The Guardian - Film

The conventional wisdom is that Rubio alienated conservatives by pushing the immigration issue, even though he has since distanced himself from comprehensive reform and emphasized the need to first address border security.

The Guardian

The archive of this blog is a record of policies and pronouncements that have alienated women; the coalition's first austerity budget which cut public services, the lack of women in the cabinet and, of course, the occasional glimpses of sneering contempt from a man who believes we should all "calm down, dear".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Backing for Yanis Varoufakis, the controversial finance minister most associated with the reckless brinkmanship that has alienated Athens from its euro-area partners, is also high.

The Guardian

The draft acknowledges that many British Muslims have been alienated by elements of UK foreign policy, recommending that the government should officially start explaining its foreign policy to "better explain the good we do".

The Guardian

Robbed of the only role they were trained for and unable to find alternative work, they felt alienated under a black government and pursued private wars to put bread on the table.

The Guardian

I was originally alienated from the Labour party by the Iraq war, and now I no longer see them as a left-wing alternative - they are too centre-ground these days.

The Guardian

Most observers believed Bachmann's campaign to be gaffe-prone, while her extreme social views alienated moderate voters.

The Guardian

But more interesting is that the vast majority of the clerical classes are themselves alienated from the Islamic Republic they in large part helped to found.

The Guardian

Feeling increasingly alienated, the protagonist, Marston, finds himself musing on the meanings of America, and especially its eagerness to forget history: "Americans, he liked to say, should be born with fins, and perhaps they were – perhaps money was a form of fin.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "alienated", ensure the subject and object of alienation are clear to avoid ambiguity. For example, specify who is alienated and from whom or what they are alienated.

Common error

Avoid using "alienated" when a milder term like "uncomfortable" or "dissatisfied" would be more accurate. "Alienated" suggests a profound sense of estrangement, not mere inconvenience.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "alienated" is as a past participle or adjective. As Ludwig AI confirms, it describes a state of being estranged or isolated. It commonly modifies nouns, indicating who or what is experiencing alienation. For example, "alienated youths" or "an alienated workforce".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Formal & Business

16%

Science

16%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the term "alienated" functions as both a verb and an adjective, denoting a state of estrangement or isolation. As per Ludwig AI, it's grammatically sound and frequently used, particularly in news and media, to describe feelings of disconnection. While the term carries a negative connotation, context dictates the register, allowing for use in both formal and informal settings. When using "alienated", ensure clarity in the subject and object of alienation to maintain precision. Furthermore, be mindful of the intensity the term conveys to ensure accurate representation in one's writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Estranged

Refers to the state of being separated or distanced from someone or something, often due to a breakdown in a relationship or connection.

Isolated

Describes the condition of being alone or separated from others, either physically or emotionally.

Detached

Indicates a lack of emotional involvement or connection, suggesting a sense of distance or indifference.

Disaffected

Implies a feeling of disillusionment or dissatisfaction, leading to a loss of loyalty or enthusiasm.

Marginalized

Highlights the experience of being excluded or treated as insignificant by society or a group.

Disenfranchised

Focuses on the deprivation of rights or power, leading to a sense of exclusion and powerlessness.

Cut off

Suggests a sudden or complete separation from something, whether physical or emotional.

Set apart

Emphasizes being different or distinct from others, potentially leading to feelings of separation.

Feeling left out

A more colloquial expression describing the sensation of being excluded from a group or activity.

Out of touch

Suggests a lack of understanding or connection with current trends, ideas, or people.

FAQs

How can I use "alienated" in a sentence?

Use "alienated" to describe the feeling of being isolated or estranged from a group or society. For instance, "The policies of the government have "alienated" many voters."

What are some alternatives to "alienated"?

You can use alternatives like "estranged", "isolated", or "detached" depending on the specific context you want to convey.

What does it mean to feel "alienated"?

To feel "alienated" means to experience a sense of separation, estrangement, or disconnection from others, from oneself, or from society as a whole. It often involves feelings of isolation and a lack of belonging.

Is "alienated" a negative term?

Yes, "alienated" generally carries a negative connotation, as it implies a sense of unhappiness, disconnection, and a lack of fulfillment. However, in some contexts, it can also highlight social or political issues.