creepiness

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "creepiness" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a feeling of unease or discomfort caused by something that is strange or unsettling. Example: "The abandoned house had an air of creepiness that made everyone hesitant to enter."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Maybe, but the analysis of creepiness can be creepy itself.

The New Yorker

Eyeballs, though obviously creepy, could soften the creepier creepiness inherent in Facebook's built-in semi-inadvertent voyeurism.

The New Yorker

Such information can also be inferred from patterns of behaviour and social networks, and the many harms that this can cause go beyond creepiness.

The Economist

"The Mummy Returns" shouted the front page of a French daily, Libération, capturing both the strangeness of Mr Berlusconi's surgically enhanced visage and the creepiness of his return from the political underworld.In this section Will Monti run for prime minister?

The Economist

Once the head clears, though, all that is left is the unacknowledged creepiness of the central master-slave relationship.

The Economist

But here, Kafkaesque creepiness is up front and grand guignol.

Independent

If AI toys are ever going to catch on, toy companies are clearly going to have to overcome the "creepiness" factor of toys recording and analysing the conversations of children.

Independent

Yet the creepiness of the exercise and the imagery of films like Ouija can make them fun, especially during teenage sleepovers.

Independent

In terms of creepiness, however, few come close to PCASS: Preliminary Credibility Assessment Screening System for acronym buffs, but in plain English, the hand-held instant lie detector.

Independent

At what point does this get weird or "creepy?" "While this is a very popular theme for news, I think there's zero creepiness when there's a lot of utility," Marcus said.

Independent

It establishes the creepiness of the heroine's new roommate in the opening minutes...and then it keeps re-establishing that creepiness for an hour before she poses any kind of threat.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "creepiness" to describe a feeling or atmosphere that is unsettling, disturbing, or evokes a sense of unease. Consider the specific nuance you want to convey when choosing between "creepiness" and similar terms like "eerie feeling" or "unsettling atmosphere".

Common error

Avoid using "creepiness" too frequently in your writing, as it can become repetitive and diminish its impact. Vary your vocabulary by using synonyms such as "eerie feeling" or "unsettling atmosphere" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "creepiness" is as a noun. It represents the state or quality of being creepy. Ludwig shows that it is most often used to describe an atmosphere, feeling, or characteristic that evokes unease or discomfort.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "creepiness" is a grammatically correct and frequently used noun to describe the quality of being creepy or causing unease. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's primarily used in News & Media contexts. While it's a versatile word, be mindful of overusing it and consider synonyms like "eeriness" or "unsettling atmosphere" for variety. Remember that "creepiness" carries a subjective connotation, implying more than just strangeness but also a disturbing or unsettling quality. Finally, according to Ludwig, the word appears frequently in authoritative publications like The New Yorker, The Independent, The Economist, and The New York Times.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

eerie feeling

Focuses on the unsettling sensation produced.

unsettling atmosphere

Highlights the disturbing environment created.

spooky vibe

Emphasizes a ghostly or spectral quality.

disturbing quality

Highlights the upsetting nature of something.

unpleasant sensation

Generalizes the feeling of discomfort.

ghoulishness

Refers to a gruesome or morbid aspect.

macabreness

Focuses on the representation of death and decay.

weirdness

Indicates something strange or unusual.

unnaturalness

Suggests something not in accordance with nature.

repulsiveness

Emphasizes the quality of causing disgust.

FAQs

How can I use "creepiness" in a sentence?

You can use "creepiness" to describe a feeling, atmosphere, or quality that evokes unease or discomfort. For example, "The abandoned house had an overwhelming sense of creepiness."

What words can I use instead of "creepiness"?

You can use alternatives like "eeriness", "gloominess", or "spookiness" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "a creepiness feeling"?

While understandable, it's more grammatically sound and common to say "a feeling of creepiness" or simply "creepiness". Using "creepiness" as a noun is generally preferred.

What's the difference between "creepiness" and "strangeness"?

"Strangeness" generally refers to something unusual or unfamiliar, while "creepiness" implies an unsettling or disturbing quality in addition to being strange. "Strangeness" doesn't necessarily evoke fear or unease, whereas creepiness almost always does.