devoid of humanity

USAGE SUMMARY

"devoid of humanity" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to describe someone or something that is void of the qualities that make humans humane, such as feelings of concern or sympathy. For example: "The soldier's face was expressionless and devoid of humanity as he carried out the orders given to him."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

In 800-plus pages, Ross offers a landscape virtually devoid of humanity.

The New York Times - Books

Before sentencing, the prosecutor, Anna-Sigga Nicolazzi, called Mr. Bostic's actions "cowardly, callous" and "absolutely devoid of humanity".

The New York Times

Beatrice Webb, a Fabian so devoid of humanity she honeymooned at a TUC conference, is an unlikely bedmate.

The Guardian

It's a gripping thriller concerned not just with how human artificial intelligence (AI) can seem, but also with how robotic and devoid of humanity people can be too.

The Economist

If the comments are anything to go by, his regular readers appear to be devoid of humanity, reflection or any sense of irony.

The Guardian

The scenery was so devoid of humanity that we could have been Seminole Indians push-poling cypress dugouts 200 years ago.

The New York Times - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

Of course, the world today doesn't need one more fully automated, devoid-of-humanity process.

TechCrunch

"The murderers of Daniel Pearl are dangerous criminals devoid of all humanity and their barbaric act is a crime against Pakistan and an outrage against the cherished values of our society," the statement said.

The Guardian

But along with the other insights put forward by this beautiful show is the lesson that no painting, however simple or abstract, can be devoid of the humanity and temperament of the person who made it.

The New York Times - Arts

"In the film Iranians are considered to be monsters devoid of any culture, humanity and wisdom who know nothing except attacking other lands, threatening peace and killing human beings.

The Guardian

At the time art had disappeared down an intellectual cul-de-sac, where abstract, minimalist sculptures, devoid of any discernable humanity, were very much the order of the day.

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "devoid of humanity", ensure that the context clearly establishes what aspects of humanity are missing. This provides a stronger and more precise description.

Common error

Avoid using "devoid of humanity" in overly sentimental or melodramatic writing. Reserve it for situations where the absence of human qualities is stark and impactful, rather than simply expressing sadness or disappointment.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "devoid of humanity" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. It often describes a state or characteristic lacking essential human attributes like compassion or empathy.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "devoid of humanity" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that conveys the absence of human qualities such as compassion and empathy. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is appropriate for describing actions, environments, or characters lacking these essential traits. While often used in News & Media and formal contexts, it's crucial to use it judiciously, avoiding overuse in sentimental writing and clearly defining what aspects of humanity are missing to enhance its impact. Related phrases like "lacking in compassion" or "inhuman" offer similar meanings with subtle differences in nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

without compassion

Simply states the lack of compassion, maintaining a neutral tone.

lacking in compassion

Focuses specifically on the absence of compassion, a key element of humanity.

bereft of human qualities

Highlights the absence of inherent human attributes, with a slightly more formal tone.

dehumanized

Indicates a state where human qualities have been removed or suppressed, often by external forces.

inhuman

A direct adjective indicating a lack of human characteristics, often implying cruelty.

lacking empathy

Specifically points out the absence of the ability to understand and share the feelings of others.

heartless

Emphasizes the absence of feelings or sympathy.

callous

Highlights indifference to the suffering of others.

unfeeling

Indicates a lack of emotional response or sensitivity.

soulless

Suggests the absence of moral or emotional depth, implying a lack of spirit.

FAQs

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

You can use "devoid of humanity" to describe actions, environments, or characters that lack compassion, empathy, or other human qualities. For example: "The battlefield was a landscape "devoid of humanity"."

What are some synonyms for "devoid of humanity"?

Alternatives include "lacking in compassion", "bereft of human qualities", or "inhuman", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it correct to say something is "partially devoid of humanity"?

While grammatically correct, it's more impactful to specify which human qualities are lacking. Saying something is "partially devoid of empathy" is more precise than saying it's "partially devoid of humanity".

What is the difference between "devoid of humanity" and "inhuman"?

"Devoid of humanity" describes something lacking human qualities, while "inhuman" often implies cruelty or malevolence, going beyond a simple absence of human traits.