devoid of character

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "devoid of character" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that lacks distinctive qualities or personality, often in reference to places, objects, or people. Example: "The new shopping mall is so generic and devoid of character that it feels more like a warehouse than a vibrant community space."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

I find them a bit antiseptic and devoid of character.

The Guardian - Travel

Drinking establishments inside malls are like those at airports, cheerless, sterile and devoid of character.

The Guardian - Opinion

I am rarely disappointed unless a place has become tacky or overbuilt and devoid of character.

The New York Times

Somehow, Alice Lowe still manages to spot a dining establishment utterly devoid of character, and, indeed, customers.

The Guardian - Film

The indefinite human, faceless and devoid of character, the mass human, lives its life in patterns by which it is bound and is the material of statistics.

The New Yorker

Over the years, I'd formed a hard prejudice that crosshatching was a tool for cowards — a manual version of Zipatone, devoid of character or charm.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

"Too many were devoid of much character".

The New York Times - Food

You cannot trade mark a word that is descriptive or devoid of distinctive character.

The Guardian - Tech

Sea bass is mushy and bland, though it comes with pleasant caraway-scented cabbage, and swordfish has handsome grill marks but is otherwise undistinguished, devoid of swordfish character.

The New York Times

The overriding image was indeed that of a tormented composer, simultaneously used and abused by the regime, trying to retreat into a purely musical realm, though one not devoid of Slavic character in its occasional modality and monumentality.

The New York Times

Easyjet courted a lot of controversy for this in the past – effectively trying to own the word 'easy', which many argue is a mark that is descriptive or devoid of distinctive character.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "devoid of character" when you want to emphasize a complete absence of unique or interesting qualities in something, whether it's a place, object, or person. It's stronger than simply saying something is 'plain' or 'ordinary'.

Common error

While grammatically correct, avoid using "devoid of character" too frequently in casual conversation. Simpler alternatives like "boring" or "uninteresting" may be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "devoid of character" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun. It describes something as lacking distinctive or interesting qualities. This aligns with the examples provided by Ludwig, where it's used to describe places, objects, and even people.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "devoid of character" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to describe something lacking unique or interesting qualities. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides numerous examples across various contexts, primarily in News & Media, Science, and Wiki. While acceptable, remember that simpler alternatives might be more suitable for informal conversations. When you use "devoid of character", you’re making a strong statement about the absence of any defining or engaging traits, distinguishing it from milder terms like "lacking in charm" or "ordinary and unremarkable".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lacking in personality

Focuses on the absence of a distinct personal identity.

without any individuality

Emphasizes the absence of unique traits or characteristics.

lacking distinction

Highlights the absence of features that make something stand out.

banal and uninspired

Indicates a lack of originality and excitement.

sterile and uninteresting

Suggests a lack of warmth and engaging qualities.

homogeneous and bland

Focuses on the uniformity and lack of flavor or excitement.

featureless and dull

Emphasizes the absence of notable attributes and excitement.

ordinary and unremarkable

Highlights the commonness and lack of special qualities.

uninspired and generic

Indicates a lack of creativity and uniqueness.

tame and unadventurous

Suggests a lack of boldness and willingness to take risks.

FAQs

How can I use "devoid of character" in a sentence?

You can use "devoid of character" to describe something lacking unique qualities. For example, "The new office building is "devoid of character" and feels impersonal."

What are some synonyms for "devoid of character"?

Alternatives include "lacking personality", "without any individuality", or "lacking distinction", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say something is "devoid of character"?

Yes, it's a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase. It means something lacks interesting or distinctive qualities.

What's the difference between "devoid of character" and "lacking in charm"?

"Devoid of character" suggests a complete absence of unique or interesting qualities, while "lacking in charm" implies a lack of pleasant or appealing qualities. The former is more neutral, while the latter carries a slightly negative connotation.