devoid of heart

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "devoid of heart" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that lacks emotion, compassion, or sincerity. Example: "The speech was devoid of heart, failing to resonate with the audience on any emotional level."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

It'll be a mess, devoid of heart and soul, that can't possibly live up to the brilliant nuance of the original.

Independent

It's juvenile, devoid of heart and wonder, and it feels perfunctory.

Huffington Post

Like Tony Manero and Jon, that does not mean they are lost or devoid of heart.

Huffington Post

It is a story of how health care in America is a business devoid of heart, devoid of caring.

HuffPost

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

/ Genuine chums," runs one poem, cheerfully devoid of hearts and kisses.

The New York Times - Books

In 2A6 human nature (ren xing) it is said that no person is devoid of a heart (the word for heart in Chinese stands for the seat of thinking and feeling, hence often translated as "the mind") sensitive to the suffering of others, and to illustrate this beginning, Mencius asks us to suppose that a man were suddenly to see a young child about to fall into a well.

SEP

At their core is a love for the environment, community, humanity, and the planet - a love that trumps temporary financial gain and exposes the shallow aspirations of the destructive aspects of a capitalism devoid of compassion, heart, and accountability.

HuffPost

And while apologies can also be devoid of any heart, I believe that even they can be powerful in their ability to dissipate a tense situation or, at the very least, lessen the sting of hurt caused.

Huffington Post

Charisma isn't devoid of substance, either.

Harvard Business Review

But both are equally devoid of substance.

The New Yorker

Critics were already sharply divided on its merits, with the venerable Roger Ebert leading the cheers ("a movie of intense fascination"), while others sneered – "full of heart but devoid of life", "thumps along on square wheels" and "a toxic cloud of dramaturgical pixie dust" are among the choice barbs that greeted its release in the spring of 2005.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "devoid of heart", ensure the context clearly indicates a lack of compassion, empathy, or emotional depth. This phrase can be powerful in conveying a strong negative attribute, but it should be used judiciously to avoid melodrama.

Common error

Avoid using "devoid of heart" in situations where a lighter expression of disappointment or sadness would be more appropriate. Overusing strong phrases can dilute their impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "devoid of heart" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun. It describes something lacking compassion, empathy, or emotional depth. As Ludwig AI points out, this phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Academia

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "devoid of heart" is a phrase used to describe something lacking compassion or empathy. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, though its relatively rare occurrence suggests it should be used judiciously. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, the phrase serves to negatively characterize subjects by highlighting a lack of emotional connection or moral consideration. While semantically related to phrases like "lacking compassion" or "heartless", "devoid of heart" carries a specific weight that makes it most effective when used to express strong disapproval.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lacking compassion

Focuses specifically on the absence of compassion.

without empathy

Highlights the absence of understanding and sharing the feelings of others.

heartless

A more direct and blunt way of saying "devoid of heart".

unfeeling

Emphasizes the lack of emotion or sensitivity.

callous

Suggests a hardened and insensitive attitude.

lacking emotion

General term for the absence of feelings.

bereft of kindness

Highlights the absence of kindness and consideration.

devoid of emotion

Similar structure but focuses on emotion in general.

without warmth

Emphasizes the absence of friendliness and affection.

lacking sympathy

Indicates the absence of concern for others' suffering.

FAQs

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

You can use "devoid of heart" to describe something lacking compassion or empathy. For example, "The corporation's actions were "devoid of heart", prioritizing profit over people".

What are some alternatives to saying "devoid of heart"?

Alternatives include "lacking compassion", "without empathy", or "heartless". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "devoid of heart" or "lacking a heart"?

"Devoid of heart" is generally used to describe actions or situations, while "lacking a heart" can sometimes refer to a person's inherent nature. Both phrases convey a lack of compassion, but their application differs slightly.

What's the difference between "devoid of heart" and "devoid of soul"?

"Devoid of heart" emphasizes a lack of compassion or empathy, while "devoid of soul" suggests a lack of deeper emotional or spiritual qualities. The former focuses on outward actions, the latter on inner essence.