devoid of conscience

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "devoid of conscience" is correct and usable in written English.
This phrase implies that someone or something has no sense of morality or ethics. You can use this phrase in all kinds of writing, from informal to academic. For example: "The criminals were devoid of conscience, showing no remorse for their actions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

He is completely devoid of conscience.

The New York Times

"Ramzi Yousef is a coldblooded killer, completely devoid of conscience," the judge noted.

The New York Times

You are arrogant and manipulative, you are devoid of conscience, devoid of any compassion to your victims".

Independent

Is playing passionately under controversy a sign of a man's indomitable spirit or a superstar devoid of conscience?

The New York Times - Sports

On the controversial matter of Richard III's villainy, Lord Norwich comes down firmly against those who hold that he was a much-maligned monarch, arguing that he was "a man devoid of conscience or principle, who would stop at nothing to achieve his ambition".

The New York Times - Books

He aimed for a movie where the characters were not just immoral, but free of morals, and devoid of conscience.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

The Manhattan borough president, Scott M. Stringer, Mr. Spitzer's opponent, is a very good candidate hardly devoid of a conscience.

The New York Times

He said Mr. Awlaki was a leader of Al Qaeda and "a figure prone to evil, devoid of any conscience, religion or law".

The New York Times

And despite widespread condemnation of that arguably egregious draconian policy, Israel continues to operate seemingly devoid of any conscience and without any consequences.

Huffington Post

On the contrary, it is a new genre of its own, devoid of intellectual honesty, conscience or any moral underpinning.

Huffington Post

No one's conscience is devoid of pre-suppositions and pre-judgments.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a character or entity as "devoid of conscience", provide specific examples of their actions or behavior that demonstrate this lack of moral consideration to strengthen your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "devoid of conscience" as a mere exaggeration. It indicates a complete absence of moral considerations, not simply a disregard for them. Ensure your usage accurately reflects this profound lack.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "devoid of conscience" functions primarily as a descriptive adjective phrase. It modifies a noun, indicating that the noun (usually a person or entity) lacks any sense of morality or ethical consideration. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage for describing individuals or entities exhibiting a complete lack of moral compass.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Wiki

15%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "devoid of conscience" serves as a strong descriptor, indicating a complete absence of moral considerations. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and most frequently found in News & Media contexts. While similar phrases like "lacking a conscience" or "without a moral compass" exist, "devoid of conscience" emphasizes a profound lack of internal ethical guidance. Remember to use it accurately, providing clear examples to support such a strong claim.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lacking a conscience

Replaces "devoid of" with "lacking", maintaining the core meaning of absence.

without a moral compass

Uses a metaphorical expression to indicate the absence of guiding moral principles.

unscrupulous

A single-word adjective that describes someone who is without moral principles.

ethically bankrupt

Emphasizes the complete absence of ethical considerations.

morally deficient

Highlights a lack or inadequacy in moral character.

bereft of morals

Similar to "devoid of", "bereft of" implies a loss or absence of morals.

having no moral scruples

Focuses on the absence of hesitation or doubt regarding moral actions.

amoral

Indicates a lack of moral sense or concern with right and wrong.

unprincipled

Highlights a lack of adherence to moral principles.

without ethical considerations

Directly states the absence of ethical thinking.

FAQs

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

You can use "devoid of conscience" to describe someone or something lacking moral awareness, for example: "The dictator was completely "devoid of conscience", ordering atrocities without remorse."

What are some alternatives to "devoid of conscience"?

Some alternatives include "lacking a conscience", "without a moral compass", or "unscrupulous", depending on the context.

Is it redundant to say "devoid of morals" instead of "devoid of conscience"?

While similar, "devoid of conscience" specifically refers to the absence of an internal regulator of moral behavior, whereas "devoid of morals" refers to the absence of a broader set of moral principles.

What's the difference between "devoid of conscience" and "lacking empathy"?

"Devoid of conscience" indicates a complete absence of moral principles, while "lacking empathy" suggests an inability to understand or share the feelings of others. One can lack empathy without being completely "devoid of conscience", and vice versa.