alienation

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'alienation' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to the feeling of isolation or exclusion, usually in the context of societal norms or relationships. For example: Because of the way he dressed and acted, he experienced a lot of alienation in the small town he grew up in.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The physical and mental state of politicians was a keenly-debated issue at Hay this weekend, as alienation continues to define the political discourse.

The Guardian - Opinion

Creative endeavour as a route out of frustration and social alienation was not just an appealing idea, Drew suggested, but a growing political imperative.

The Guardian - Tech

This sense of alienation comes from the trend of young people being increasingly pitted against each other, fighting for the same precarious jobs and terrified of taking risks while burdened with unprecedented debt.

The Guardian

May rejected rioters' assertions that the unrest was linked to alienation from the police or the government, dismissing concerns raised in the research report as "excuses".

The Guardian

But so too, said Gardner, is a straightforward alienation that many young Muslims feel from society.

The Guardian

Part of this despair stems from the alienation of the revolutionary movement from large sections of mainstream sentiment.

The Guardian

But what's more, we occupied to remedy a feeling of profound political alienation and powerlessness: overcoming this was our greatest achievement.

The Guardian

It is more than capable of dealing with deeper issues like alienation, tech noir and teen angst.

The Guardian

It's going to be a battle against the sense of alienation and despair so many people feel about politics and how it's been done in the past".

The Guardian

The success of these parties has revealed a "deep anxiety, distrust and alienation from the institutions and core philosophies of Europe" that cannot be ignored, he said in comments released to the Times.

The Guardian

The result is a dangerous dual effect of entrenching unfairness and stoking political alienation.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing "alienation", clearly specify the object or source from which someone is alienated (e.g., "alienation from society", "alienation from one's work"). This provides context and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid attributing "alienation" to a single cause. It is often a complex issue arising from a combination of social, economic, and personal factors. Acknowledge this complexity in your writing.

Linguistic Context

The noun "alienation" functions primarily as a subject or object in a sentence, denoting a state of estrangement or separation. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. Examples show it describing political, social, and emotional disconnection.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "alienation" is a frequently used noun that describes a state of estrangement or disconnection, as validated by Ludwig. It commonly appears in contexts related to news, formal business, and scientific discussions. While grammatically correct and widely accepted, it's crucial to provide specific context when using the term to avoid ambiguity, as mentioned by Ludwig. Related terms include "estrangement", "disaffection" and "isolation", each carrying slightly different nuances. When writing, avoid overgeneralizing the causes of "alienation", as it is often a multifaceted issue.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

estrangement

Focuses on the breakdown of relationships or emotional bonds.

disaffection

Highlights a loss of loyalty or enthusiasm, often towards a cause or group.

detachment

Emphasizes a lack of emotional involvement or connection.

isolation

Stresses the state of being alone or separated from others.

segregation

Refers to the enforced separation of groups, often based on social or ethnic factors.

marginalization

Indicates being pushed to the edges of society or a group.

disconnection

Suggests a break in communication or understanding.

social exclusion

Focuses on being shut out from societal participation and benefits.

lack of belonging

Highlights the absence of a sense of community or acceptance.

dissociation

Indicates a psychological detachment from reality or oneself.

FAQs

How can I use "alienation" in a sentence?

You can use "alienation" to describe a feeling of separation from society, a group, or even oneself. For instance, "The rapid pace of technological change can lead to a sense of "alienation" among those who struggle to adapt."

What words can I use instead of "alienation"?

Alternatives include "estrangement", "disaffection", or "isolation", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "alienation from" or "alienation with"?

"Alienation from" is the more common and grammatically appropriate preposition to use when describing the source of the "alienation".

What's the difference between "alienation" and "isolation"?

"Isolation" refers to the state of being alone, while "alienation" implies a feeling of disconnect or estrangement from something, even when not physically alone. You can be isolated without feeling "alienation", and vice versa.