anomie

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "anomie" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in sociological contexts to describe a state of normlessness or breakdown of social norms in a society. Example: "The rise in crime rates can be attributed to a sense of anomie within the community, where individuals feel disconnected from societal values."

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Anomie, also spelled anomy, in societies or individuals, a condition of instability resulting from a breakdown of standards and values or from a lack of purpose or ideals.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Add to our obsession with security the anomie of a society that has less and less time or inclination for neighbourliness and you have a toxic mix that the commissioners will need to address quickly.

The Guardian

Mr Warren took post-war evangelicalism and reshaped it, yet again, for the world of suburban anomie and the search for meaning.This required entrepreneurial skills of a high order.

The Economist

Buy from Amazon.com, Amazon.co.ukON A therapist's couch, a patient complains of heartache, work stress and a creepy sense of anomie.

The Economist

The spectre of "two nations" now pits the desperate anomie of the black ghettoes against the rest of the country, black and white.

The Economist

Theater for Havel meant something close to this, the insistence on a shared moment in which through the purposeful absurdity and irony of his plays an authentic human subjectivity could emerge amidst the callousness and anomie of modern, bureaucratized life.

The Economist

A few things trigger approval: a community organisation in Ohio lobbying for firms to hire locals and give felons a second chance; better city planning to fight suburban anomie; some individual displays of idealism.

The Economist

A portrait of disaffected liberal rich kids on Manhattan's Upper West Side during the Reagan era, "Youth" keeps pace with the often hilarious cadences of American slackerspeak while monitoring a very real anomie marching to its own restless beat.

The Economist

Bad King John leans across a castle's battlements; a Burger King standard flutters above him.Alone togetherPay attention and you find that a place that seems to epitomise the anomie and perpetual motion of 21st-century life actually harbours a community.

The Economist

As she puts it: "Almost every secularising reform…would begin with an aggressive assault on religious institutions, which would inspire resentment, anomie, distress and, in some cases, a violent riposte .Ms Armstrong denounces authoritarian secularism with eloquent passion.

The Economist

But the exterior sheen conceals a growing sense of anomie, compounded by swelling unemployment and material expectations fed by rising educational standards.Ezzeddine Larbi, a former World Bank economist who left the country to live abroad, found that unflattering economic statistics were routinely suppressed or massaged.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about societal issues, use "anomie" to specifically denote the breakdown of norms and values, rather than simply stating that society is 'bad' or 'chaotic'.

Common error

Avoid using "anomie" as a general term for unhappiness or dissatisfaction. It specifically refers to the breakdown of social norms, not merely individual feelings of unhappiness.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "anomie" is as a noun. It refers to a specific condition of societal normlessness or individual alienation, as indicated by Ludwig. The examples show it used to describe both societal breakdown and personal feelings of detachment.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Encyclopedias

40%

News & Media

35%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "anomie" is a noun that describes a condition of societal normlessness or individual alienation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in written English. It's commonly used in academic and journalistic contexts to analyze societal issues, as supported by numerous examples from reputable sources like Encyclopedia Britannica and The Economist. When using "anomie", remember its specific meaning relating to the breakdown of norms, and avoid using it as a general term for discontent. Semantically related terms include "social alienation" and "normlessness", but each carries slightly different nuances. By understanding its proper usage and context, you can effectively employ "anomie" to articulate complex social phenomena.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

normlessness

Highlights the absence or breakdown of social norms.

social alienation

Focuses more on the feeling of being detached from society.

social disintegration

Emphasizes the fragmentation of social structures.

disconnection from society

Emphasizes the separation between individuals and the broader community.

lack of social cohesion

Points to a deficiency in the bonds that hold society together.

breakdown of social order

Highlights the collapse of established social structures and norms.

erosion of values

Stresses the decline of shared ethical principles.

sense of rootlessness

Captures the feeling of not belonging or having a stable place in society.

absence of purpose

Highlights the lack of meaning or direction in life or society.

moral vacuum

Suggests a lack of moral guidance or ethical standards.

FAQs

How is "anomie" typically used in a sentence?

Typically, "anomie" describes a societal condition where norms are weak or absent, as in, "The high crime rate is a symptom of the "anomie" plaguing the community."

What's a simple way to explain "anomie"?

"Anomie" can be understood as a state of "normlessness", where individuals feel disconnected from societal values and standards.

Is "anomie" a personal or societal problem?

"Anomie" can manifest on both individual and societal levels. At the individual level, it represents a lack of purpose; at the societal level, it reflects a disintegration of social bonds.

How does social instability relate to "anomie"?

Social instability often leads to "anomie", as rapid changes can erode established norms and values, leaving individuals feeling lost and disconnected.