cold blooded

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cold blooded" is correct and is used in formal and informal written English.
It is used to describe someone or something that is ruthless, cruel, or indifferent. For example, "The criminal was cold blooded and did not show any remorse for his actions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

COLD BLOODED, by Lisa Jackson.

The New York Times

It is horribly cold blooded and cruel.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

11 1 COLD BLOODED, by Lisa Jackson.

The New York Times - Books

Dumanli continues to receive "cold blooded" threats via digital media.

Independent

It was a cold blooded political calculation.

BBC

Cold blooded animals are more economical, but lack those advantages.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

"Cold-blooded mur-dah!

The New Yorker

It's cold-blooded realpolitik.

The New York Times

Cold-blooded, and probably correct.

The New York Times

Both are cold-blooded.

The New York Times

"He is cold-blooded.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "cold blooded" to describe actions or individuals that demonstrate a calculated lack of empathy or remorse. Ensure the context supports the intensity of the term.

Common error

Avoid using "cold blooded" to describe minor inconveniences or disagreements. The phrase carries a strong connotation of cruelty and should be reserved for situations where such severity is justified.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cold blooded" functions primarily as an adjective, modifying nouns to describe a lack of empathy or calculated cruelty. Ludwig AI confirms this with numerous examples of its usage in describing actions and individuals.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "cold blooded" is a correct and frequently used adjective phrase in English, indicating a lack of empathy or calculated cruelty. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage spans across various contexts, including news, academia, and general discourse. While "cold blooded" is appropriate for formal writing, it's essential to consider the intensity of the term and avoid overuse in trivial situations. Alternatives such as "ruthless" or "heartless" can be considered to fine-tune the desired nuance. Remember to reserve this phrase for situations where deliberate lack of empathy is evident.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ruthless

Single-word adjective emphasizing a lack of pity or compassion.

heartless

Single-word adjective suggesting a lack of feeling or sympathy.

callous

Single-word adjective indicating insensitivity and a disregard for others.

unfeeling

Single-word adjective highlighting a lack of emotional response.

merciless

Single-word adjective stressing the absence of mercy or forgiveness.

without compassion

Phrase emphasizing the absence of sympathetic concern for others.

devoid of empathy

Phrase highlighting a lack of understanding and sharing the feelings of another.

hard-hearted

Adjective indicating a lack of kindness or sympathy.

inhuman

Adjective suggesting a lack of human qualities, especially compassion.

brutal

Adjective implying extreme violence or cruelty.

FAQs

What does "cold blooded" mean?

The term "cold blooded" describes someone or something ruthless, cruel, and lacking empathy. It implies a deliberate and calculated disregard for others' feelings or well-being.

How can I use "cold blooded" in a sentence?

You can use "cold blooded" to describe actions, such as "The murder was a "cold blooded act"", or to describe a person's character, such as "He was a "cold blooded killer"".

What are synonyms for "cold blooded"?

Synonyms for "cold blooded" include "ruthless", "heartless", and "callous". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "cold blooded" in formal writing?

Yes, "cold blooded" is appropriate in formal writing when used accurately to describe a lack of empathy or calculated cruelty. However, consider the tone and audience to ensure it aligns with the overall message.