completely dead

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "completely dead" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is no longer functional or alive. For example, "The old car on the side of the road was completely dead."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Completely dead".

The New Yorker

"I'm just completely dead".

The New York Times - Sports

The farm looked completely dead.

The New York Times

Earnestness is not completely dead.

The New York Times - Arts

23RD Throat now completely dead.

The New York Times

So it's not completely dead.

The Guardian - Sport

"The dressing room was completely dead afterwards.

Independent

But the concourse is completely dead.

The Washington Post

Their result isn't completely dead though.

The Guardian

"Outside it's completely dead," Daniela says.

The Guardian - Travel

I felt completely dead in the boat.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "completely dead" to describe a non-living thing, ensure the context clarifies whether it's non-functional or beyond repair. For example, "The battery is completely dead" implies it needs recharging or replacement, while "The project is completely dead" suggests it's abandoned.

Common error

Avoid using "completely dead" in highly formal writing where a more neutral or technical term might be appropriate. Alternatives like "non-operational" or "inoperative" may be more suitable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "completely dead" functions as an adjective phrase that modifies a noun. Ludwig confirms this is a correct and usable phrase. It intensifies the state of being "dead", indicating a total absence of function or life.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "completely dead" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe something that is entirely without life, function, or activity. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a usable phrase across various contexts, although it may be more suitable for neutral to informal registers. Its primary function is to emphasize the totality of the state being described. While alternatives like "totally lifeless" or "utterly defunct" exist, "completely dead" offers a direct and emphatic way to convey finality. Be mindful of the context to ensure appropriateness, especially in formal writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

stone cold dead

A more emphatic and colloquial way of saying completely dead, often used in informal contexts.

totally lifeless

Focuses on the absence of life, often in a literal sense.

ceased to exist

Indicates the termination of something's existence.

utterly defunct

Emphasizes that something is no longer in operation or use.

absolutely non-functional

Highlights the inability of something to perform its intended purpose.

entirely inactive

Indicates a lack of activity or movement.

gone for good

Suggests a permanent departure or end, with no chance of return.

kaput

A slang term indicating that something is broken or no longer working.

out of commission

Implies a temporary or permanent removal from service or use.

passed away

A euphemistic term for death, used to soften the impact of the news.

FAQs

How can I use "completely dead" in a sentence?

You can use "completely dead" to describe something that is no longer functional, alive, or active. For example: "The phone's battery is completely dead", "The negotiations are completely dead", or "The plant was completely dead because it didn't get enough water".

What can I say instead of "completely dead"?

You can use alternatives like "totally lifeless", "utterly defunct", or "absolutely non-functional" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "completely dead" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "completely dead" may be too informal for some formal contexts. Consider using alternatives like "inoperative" or "non-functional" for a more professional tone.

What's the difference between "completely dead" and "dead"?

"Completely dead" emphasizes the totality or finality of the state, suggesting there's no remaining function or life. Simply "dead" indicates the absence of life, but "completely dead" amplifies this state for emphasis.