devoid of empathy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "devoid of empathy" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a person, thing, or situation that does not display any level of understanding or compassion. For example: "The tyrant's lack of compassion for his victims was evident in his callousness and the fact that he was devoid of empathy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

That's who he is – a man without character, without principle and devoid of empathy.

The Guardian - Opinion

He comes across as a management-speak dalek devoid of empathy.

Independent

In her influential redefinition of photography's boundaries, the images are devoid of empathy but full of uncomfortable intrigue.

The Guardian - Arts

This Supreme Court walks in its own comfortable shoes, devoid of empathy for those who still tread in John Lewis's footsteps.

The New Yorker

The problem with those who are devoid of empathy is that, although they may recognize what's right, they have no motivation to act upon it.

The New Yorker

Over 100 former and current Amazon employees were interviewed for the New York Times's 5,400-word 5,400-wordscribing working conditions dexposeof empathy andescribingsh employees to their limits in the name of productivity and efficiency.

The Guardian - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

Devoid of any empathy.

The New York Times

It's a heartless position, wholly devoid of human empathy.

Independent

Many have been driven to a suicidal despair that only those devoid of human empathy can fail to understand.

The Guardian - Opinion

Largely devoid of guilt, empathy and love, they have casual and callous interpersonal and romantic relationships.

Huffington Post

'Tolerate,' as defined in the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, is to 'endure, put up with, to bear.' According to this definition, tolerance allows one to develop only superficial or shallow relationships devoid of compassion, empathy, and mutual understanding.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "devoid of empathy", ensure the context clearly demonstrates the absence of understanding or compassion. Provide specific examples to support your claim.

Common error

Avoid assuming a person is permanently "devoid of empathy" based on a single action or event. Consider situational factors that might influence their behavior.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "devoid of empathy" primarily functions as an adjective phrase that modifies a noun, indicating that the noun lacks empathy. Examples from Ludwig show it describing people, actions, or situations that demonstrate an absence of compassion or understanding, consistent with Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "devoid of empathy" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression signifying a complete lack of understanding or compassion. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase effectively conveys a strong negative attribute, often used in news, media, and academic contexts to describe individuals, actions, or situations. While alternatives like ""lacking empathy"" or ""without compassion"" exist, "devoid of empathy" carries a unique emphasis on the total absence of empathetic feelings. When employing this phrase, it's essential to provide clear and specific examples to support the claim, and avoid generalizations about entire groups. By understanding its nuances and usage patterns, writers can effectively and accurately communicate the concept of lacking empathy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lacking empathy

Focuses on the absence of empathy, similar to the original phrase.

without compassion

Emphasizes the absence of compassionate feelings.

unsympathetic

Highlights a lack of sympathetic understanding.

heartless

Conveys a sense of cruelty and lack of feeling.

callous

Stresses indifference to the suffering of others.

unfeeling

Suggests a lack of emotional response or sensitivity.

insensitive

Indicates a lack of awareness or consideration for others' feelings.

bereft of compassion

A more formal way of expressing a lack of compassion.

lacking in compassion

Similar to "lacking empathy", emphasizing the absence of compassion.

incapable of empathy

Highlights an inability to feel or understand others' emotions.

FAQs

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

You can use "devoid of empathy" to describe someone's actions or character, such as: "His decisions were devoid of empathy, causing widespread suffering" or "The character was portrayed as devoid of empathy, making him a compelling villain".

What is a synonym for "devoid of empathy"?

Alternatives to "devoid of empathy" include "lacking empathy", "without compassion", or "unsympathetic", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it accurate to describe a group as "devoid of empathy"?

While you can use "devoid of empathy" to describe a group, it's important to consider the individuals within that group. Generalizing that an entire group is "devoid of empathy" may be inaccurate and unfair.

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

While both phrases suggest an absence of empathy, "devoid of empathy" implies a complete absence, whereas ""lacking empathy"" suggests a deficiency but not necessarily a total absence.