deranged

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'deranged' is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to describe someone who is mentally unstable or out of touch with reality. Example sentence: The man's deranged behavior had been troubling the neighbors for weeks.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Sometimes sweet and innocent, sometimes deranged with maniacal obsession, she provides the story with the layers required to give it depth and deflect the usual clichés of horror.

The Guardian - Film

The weather didn't help – grey, wet and miserable – but still thousands turned up, braving the cold and rain, in the hope that Boris might notice and remedy our deranged housing situation.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

OK, they have their little squabbles and backstabbers, and Major had his "bastards", but when it comes to it, they go out and vote for their leaders, even if they do have crazed policies and look fairly deranged.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Recruits get five weeks' training and pledge to work for two years in a disadvantaged school.In this section High-fliers in the classroom The mute leading the mute ReprintsWhen TfA's founder, Wendy Kopp, came up with the idea while an undergraduate, her adviser told her she was "deranged".

The Economist

Think of the people who have shaped the modern business landscape, and "faceless" and "humble" are not the first words that come to mind.Be bold, not blandHenry Ford was as close as you can get to being deranged without losing your liberty.

The Economist

A whole industry sprang up to trade playing-rights, and a cocktail of cheap money, loose lending and deranged speculation drove prices immodestly high.

The Economist

Mrs Clinton may go into the 2008 election cycle enjoying the best of both worlds the enmity of both the deranged left and the demented right.Mrs Clinton also demonstrated if any demonstration was needed that she has the skills for the big time.

The Economist

Unlike Mr Sonneborn's turbo-centrist, Mr Colbert's on-screen character is a lovably deranged right-winger who would do well with the real-life audience of Fox News if he traded his irony for earnestness.

The Economist

AMONG the many gadgets, instruments and artefacts in its care, London's Science Museum holds a peculiar contraption that most resembles the work of a deranged plumber.

The Economist

Oh yes, and of the treacherous Ugolino in the deepest circle of hell, eating away at an archbishop's brain.Hannibal Lecter is both repellent and attractive, urbane and deranged.

The Economist

Only three summers ago Stephen Timms, the MP for East Ham, was stabbed in the stomach by a deranged constituent.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "deranged" to describe a severe state of mental instability or irrationality, ensuring the context aligns with this strong connotation.

Common error

Avoid using "deranged" to describe situations that are merely eccentric or unusual. Reserve it for cases of genuine mental instability to maintain its impact.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "deranged" is as an adjective, modifying a noun to describe a state of mental instability or irrationality. Ludwig provides many examples showcasing this usage, such as "deranged obsession" or "deranged constituent."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Formal & Business

17%

Science

17%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "deranged" functions primarily as an adjective to describe someone or something exhibiting extreme mental instability or irrationality. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in news and media. While it can be used neutrally, it often carries a strong negative connotation. When writing, reserve "deranged" for genuinely severe cases to maintain its impact, and consider more formal alternatives like "mentally unstable" or "unsound" in professional settings. The word appears frequently in authoritative sources such as The Economist and The Guardian.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Mentally unstable

Focuses on the lack of mental stability, a core aspect of being "deranged".

Unbalanced

Highlights a lack of mental equilibrium, similar to being "deranged".

Out of one's mind

Suggests a loss of rational thought and control.

Crazy

A common and direct synonym for "deranged", indicating insanity.

Insane

A more formal synonym, denoting a severe mental disorder.

Mad

A simpler term suggesting a state of mental imbalance.

Unsound

Implies a lack of mental soundness or stability.

Demented

Focuses on impaired cognitive function.

Disturbed

Highlights the troubled mental state of someone "deranged".

Irrational

Emphasizes the lack of logical thought and behavior.

FAQs

How is the word "deranged" typically used in a sentence?

The word "deranged" is generally used as an adjective to describe someone's mental state or behavior. For example, "The man's "mentally unstable" actions concerned his neighbors".

What are some synonyms for "deranged"?

Some synonyms for "deranged" include "insane", "mad", "unbalanced", and "demented". The best choice depends on the specific context.

What is the difference between "deranged" and "eccentric"?

"Deranged" implies a serious mental disorder or severe irrationality, while "eccentric" suggests unconventional or slightly strange behavior that is not necessarily linked to mental illness.

Is it appropriate to use "deranged" in formal writing?

While "deranged" is understood, it can sound harsh. In formal contexts, consider alternatives like "mentally unstable" or "unsound", which may be more appropriate depending on the audience and purpose.