devoid of feeling

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "devoid of feeling" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something that lacks emotion or sensitivity. Example: "His response to the tragic news was surprisingly devoid of feeling, leaving everyone in shock."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

The community of scientists reveres evidence above all else – usually – but is not devoid of feeling.

The Guardian

By comparison, sex with my New Yorker was spontaneous, anonymous, and totally devoid of feeling.

Independent

Madonna is a curt, cool cookie whose painfully flat performance is all but devoid of feeling.

The New York Times

But here, the mechanical assembly simply emphasizes how devoid of feeling the film is.

The New York Times

Epithets used to describe his work — "hard, cold, icy, calculated and devoid of feeling" — are still repeated.

The New York Times - Arts

Mr. Trump, he said, "is devoid of feeling the pain of a mother who has sacrificed her son".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

The case also demonstrates how journalists end up treating their prey - in this case the royal princes - as two-dimensional targets devoid of feelings.

The Guardian

"I wasn't devoid of feelings for women, but I also had a same-sex attraction," was the way Rob explained his orientation to me.

The New York Times - Magazine

Created by Kate Bond and Morgan Lloyd, who have been producing different versions of this show since 2004, "Bum Bum" is surprisingly devoid of feelings of genuine threat, and possible hints of uncomfortable sexual metaphors are diffused early on.

The New York Times

They are devoid of feelings of guilt or remorse, a point readily admitted by Bundy himself.

Wikipedia

Actor Michael Cerveris, who plays September, commented in an interview that as a result of the episode, viewers would learn that the Observers "are not completely devoid of feelings, and are not incapable of being attached to people they're observing".

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a character's emotional state, consider using "devoid of feeling" to emphasize a complete lack of emotion rather than simply a subdued response.

Common error

Avoid using "devoid of feeling" in situations where subtle emotional responses are more appropriate. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound overly dramatic or unrealistic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "devoid of feeling" functions as an adjective phrase, typically modifying a noun to describe a state of lacking emotion or sensitivity. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correctly used in written English to express a lack of emotion or empathy.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Encyclopedias

14%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Academia

6%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "devoid of feeling" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a lack of emotion or sensitivity. As Ludwig AI states, it is usable in written English to describe someone or something that lacks emotion or sensitivity. Analysis of various sources shows that it appears frequently in News & Media and Encyclopedias. When using this phrase, be mindful of its potential for dramatic emphasis and avoid overuse in contexts where subtle emotional nuances are more appropriate. Consider alternatives like "lacking emotion" or "emotionally detached" for a less intense effect. Use "devoid of feeling" when you wish to emphasize a complete absence of emotional response.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lacking emotion

Focuses on the absence of emotion, simplifying the structure.

without sentiment

Replaces "feeling" with "sentiment", offering a more formal tone.

emotionally detached

Highlights the separation from emotional involvement.

unfeeling

A concise adjective conveying a lack of empathy or compassion.

insensitive

Emphasizes a lack of sensitivity towards others' emotions.

callous

Implies a hardened, indifferent attitude.

heartless

Focuses on the absence of compassion or sympathy.

lacking empathy

Directly states the absence of understanding and sharing others' feelings.

cold-hearted

Suggests a lack of warmth and kindness.

unsentimental

Indicates an absence of emotional expression or attachment.

FAQs

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

You can use "devoid of feeling" to describe someone or something that lacks emotion. For example, "The robot's expression was completely devoid of feeling."

What are some alternatives to "devoid of feeling"?

Alternatives include "lacking emotion", "unfeeling", or "emotionally detached". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to say "devoid of emotion" or "devoid of feeling"?

"Devoid of emotion" and "devoid of feeling" are largely interchangeable. "Emotion" is generally considered a stronger term, but the choice depends on the nuance you want to convey.

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

"Devoid of feeling" indicates a general absence of emotions, while "lacking empathy" specifically refers to an inability to understand and share the feelings of others.