devoid of

USAGE SUMMARY

'devoid of' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is usually used to mean being entirely without or lacking something. For example, "The town was deserted and devoid of any sign of life."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Devoid of social value.

The New York Times

Devoid of all dismay.

Independent

Devoid of any empathy.

The New York Times

Oddly devoid of people.

The New York Times

Teenagers seem devoid of wonder.

The New York Times - Magazine

It's energetic but devoid of texture.

The New York Times - Arts

"Too many were devoid of much character".

The New York Times - Food

It was quiet, utterly devoid of torment.

The New York Times

This is memoir devoid of bitterness.

The New York Times - Books

I found it devoid of interest.

The New York Times - Arts

The sea was devoid of life.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "devoid of" to emphasize a complete absence of something, rather than a mere lack. For example, "The landscape was completely devoid of trees" is stronger than "The landscape lacked trees."

Common error

Avoid using "devoid of" when you mean a partial absence or scarcity. "The soup was devoid of salt" is incorrect if there's a tiny bit of salt; use "lacking in salt" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "devoid of" functions as a modifier, specifically an adjective phrase followed by a preposition. It describes a noun by indicating the complete absence of a particular quality, characteristic, or element. Ludwig AI confirms the validity and utility of the phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Science

21%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "devoid of" is a grammatically sound and versatile phrase used to express the complete absence of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a valid and helpful construction in English. Its frequent use in news, media, and scientific writing, as highlighted by Ludwig, suggests a neutral to formal register. While alternatives exist, such as "lacking in" or "without", "devoid of" offers a strong and emphatic way to convey a total lack. Remember to reserve "devoid of" for situations where the absence is absolute, avoiding its use when something is merely scarce or deficient.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

without

A more general term indicating the absence of something.

absent of

Directly indicates something is not present.

lacking in

Emphasizes a deficiency or shortage rather than a complete absence.

missing

Simple and direct, indicating something is not there.

bereft of

A more formal and literary term for lacking something, often implying a sense of loss.

empty of

Suggests a hollowness or absence where something is expected to be.

destitute of

A formal term that conveys a severe lack or poverty of something.

free from

Focuses on the absence of something negative or unwanted.

clear of

Indicates an absence, particularly of something undesirable or obstructive.

wanting in

Highlights a specific deficiency or inadequacy.

FAQs

How to use "devoid of" in a sentence?

Use "devoid of" to indicate a complete absence of something. For example, "The argument was "lacking in" substance and "empty of" supporting evidence, rendering it "absent of" any persuasive power".

What can I say instead of "devoid of"?

You can use alternatives like "lacking in", "without", or "bereft of", depending on the context.

Which is correct, "devoid of" or "devoid from"?

"Devoid of" is the correct and standard usage. "Devoid from" is grammatically incorrect.

Is "devoid of" a formal expression?

"Devoid of" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, although alternatives like "lacking in" might be preferred in very informal settings.