devoid of detail

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "devoid of detail" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that lacks specific information or elaboration. Example: "The report was devoid of detail, making it difficult to understand the project's progress."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

The drawing is nearly devoid of detail.

The New York Times

The painter's stroke of genius was to tone the areas devoid of detail in shimmering hues.

The New York Times - Arts

But his cursory remarks were devoid of detail – significantly so at a time when Republican leaders are considering putting their support behind some piecemeal measures that would stop short of citizenship for most undocumented immigrants.

The Guardian

But that figure is a shadowy presence devoid of detail, flickering in and out as if seen in a mirror in a darkened room.

Huffington Post

As devoid of detail as the account of his father's orphaning, the story of my father's enlistment suggests he had a survival instinct which defied all attempts to be snuffed out.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

He seemed interested in only the broadest consultations, devoid of details.

The New York Times

Isn't it more correct to say Obama's plan is devoid of details? GEORGE PACKER: Not completely devoid.

The New Yorker

Yet this same garden book is maddeningly devoid of details on how plants were protected from disease and insects.

The New York Times

The spare, two-count indictment was almost devoid of details about the accusations against Mr. Medunjanin, who traveled to Pakistan in 2008 with Mr. Zazi and a third man, who has also been charged, people briefed on the matter have said.

The New York Times

Such a discussion is necessitated by the fact that, while the Posterior Analytics makes it clear by its constant use of examples from nature that its standards for knowledge are intended to be applicable to natural science, it is devoid of details on how this application is to be accomplished.

SEP

Her description of the surgeries is brief and devoid of graphic detail.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "devoid of detail" when you want to emphasize a complete absence of specific information, creating a sense of emptiness or lack of substance in the description.

Common error

Avoid using "devoid of detail" in casual conversation or informal writing. Opt for simpler alternatives like "not detailed" or "lacking specifics" to maintain a natural and appropriate tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "devoid of detail" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun. It indicates that the noun it describes lacks specific information or elaboration. Ludwig AI confirms the usability of the phrase in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "devoid of detail" is a grammatically correct and usable expression that describes something lacking specific information or elaboration. Ludwig AI analysis confirms this. While the phrase is uncommon in everyday conversation, it is frequently found in more formal contexts like news articles, scientific publications, and encyclopedic entries. When using this phrase, ensure that its relatively formal tone aligns with your writing style, and consider more straightforward alternatives like "lacking detail" in less formal contexts. Using "devoid of detail" correctly will effectively convey a sense of incompleteness or inadequacy in the subject being described.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lacking in detail

Focuses on the absence of detail without necessarily implying a complete absence.

without specifics

Emphasizes the absence of concrete or particular information.

light on specifics

Similar to "without specifics", but with a slightly more informal tone.

vague

Indicates a lack of clarity and precision in the information provided.

sketchy

Suggests a lack of thoroughness and potentially unreliability due to missing details.

general

Highlights the broad and non-specific nature of the information.

cursory

Implies a superficial and hasty treatment that lacks depth.

superficial

Suggests a lack of depth and a focus on surface-level aspects.

bare-bones

Conveys the idea of something being reduced to its essential elements, lacking elaboration.

lacking substance

Indicates a deficiency in meaningful or important details.

FAQs

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

You can use "devoid of detail" to describe something lacking specific information. For example, "The drawing is nearly "devoid of detail"." or "The plan was "devoid of detail", making it difficult to implement."

What are some alternatives to "devoid of detail"?

Alternatives include "lacking in detail", "without specifics", or "vague". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "devoid of detail" or "devoid of details"?

"Devoid of detail" is generally preferred because "detail" functions as an uncountable noun in this context. However, "devoid of details" is also acceptable, though less common.

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

"Devoid of detail" emphasizes a complete absence, while "lacking detail" suggests a deficiency but not necessarily a total absence. "Devoid" is a stronger term, implying emptiness or a void, while "lacking" simply indicates something is missing. Both phrases have a similar meaning.