desertion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "desertion" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts related to abandonment, particularly in military or personal situations where someone leaves a post or relationship without permission. Example: "The soldier faced severe consequences for his desertion during the war."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Later Jason deserted Medea for Creon's daughter; this desertion and its consequences formed the subject of Euripides' Medea.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Using detailed research on the psychology behind desertion, the conventions and military mores of the day and the punishment they faced, he claims that deserters were not cowards at all.

The Economist

After 1945, when the readership of pro-Tory papers outnumbered that of pro-Labour ones by three to two, the press favoured the Conservatives at every poll until the desertion of 1997 and yet six Labour governments were elected.

The Economist

The likely effects run from high desertion rates in the nascent Iraqi army (because of unpaid salaries) to delays in infrastructure contracts (that need to be signed to boost oil production) to the melding of militias and security forces.

The Economist

Like other Iraqi army units, it suffered from a high rate of desertion.

The Economist

Andhra Pradesh provided more Congress MPs in 2009 than any other state, but now a local leader's desertion has shattered the party there.

The Economist

But the desertion of key allies, a sharply deteriorating economy and a collapse of confidence in Italy's sovereign bonds brought him low.

The Economist

Japanese opinion is convinced that there can be only one proper ending to this drama: America must abandon its plans to prosecute Mr Jenkins for desertion and other alleged crimes, so that Ms Soga and her family can live happily ever after.Ms Soga is a sympathetic figure.

The Economist

Optimism overthrown Art of the heartland Independence day Same world, separate spheres The big book index Reprints Related items American history: Dear Mr PresidentMay 17th 2001As Washington's army fled across New Jersey, death, capture and desertion reduced his force by 90%.

The Economist

Though plagued by poor discipline, inefficiency, corruption and desertion, it has so far remained politically reliable.

The Economist

DESERTION in the face of the enemy is rightly regarded by every country in the world as a very grave military crime.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing military contexts, use "desertion" to specifically denote the act of a soldier leaving their post without permission. This term carries legal and disciplinary weight.

Common error

Avoid using "desertion" interchangeably with AWOL. "Desertion" implies an intent to permanently abandon duty, while AWOL suggests a temporary absence. The legal consequences differ significantly.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "desertion" is as a noun. It refers to the act of abandoning someone or something, often a duty or responsibility. Ludwig AI confirms this through numerous examples where "desertion" acts as the subject or object of a sentence.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Encyclopedias

31%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "desertion" functions as a noun that denotes the act of abandoning a duty or responsibility. Ludwig AI identifies it as grammatically correct and usable in a wide array of contexts. The term is frequently encountered in news, encyclopedias, and scientific literature, often carrying negative implications. While it can be confused with similar terms like "abandonment", "defection", or "AWOL", "desertion" specifically implies a deliberate and often unauthorized departure. This overview highlights the term's correct usage, semantic nuances, and common contexts to promote clarity in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

abandonment

Focuses on the act of leaving someone or something behind, often in a helpless situation.

defection

Implies a formal abandonment of allegiance or duty, often to join an opposing side.

forsaking

Emphasizes the act of renouncing or giving up something valued or cherished.

dereliction of duty

Specifically refers to the failure to fulfill one's responsibilities or obligations.

apostasy

Refers to the abandonment of a religious or political belief.

runaway

Highlights the act of fleeing or escaping from a place or situation.

flight

Suggests a hasty departure, often to escape danger or persecution.

secession

Implies a formal withdrawal from an organization or political entity.

evacuation

Describes an organized departure from a dangerous area.

withdrawal

Indicates a deliberate retreat or removal from a situation or commitment.

FAQs

How is "desertion" typically used in a sentence?

You can use "desertion" to describe the act of abandoning a duty or responsibility, as in "The high "desertion rate" plagued the army" or "His "desertion of his family" caused significant hardship".

What are some synonyms for "desertion"?

Alternatives to "desertion" include "abandonment", "defection", and "forsaking". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you wish to convey.

Is "desertion" a formal or informal term?

"Desertion" is a formal term, often used in legal, military, or official contexts. While understandable in informal settings, using a more specific synonym might be preferable depending on the situation.

What is the legal implication of "desertion" in the military?

In most countries, military "desertion" is a serious offense that can lead to imprisonment and other severe penalties. It signifies a complete abandonment of duty and oath, with significant consequences.