devoid of interest

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'devoid of interest' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something which has no interest or is uninteresting. For example, "The concert was completely devoid of interest; nothing was memorable about it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

I found it devoid of interest.

The New York Times - Arts

Is he devoid of interest in women?

The New York Times - Books

This sounds more like a psychiatric case," he said, his voice devoid of interest or sympathy.

The New Yorker

The movie isn't devoid of interest, but the Wikipedia entry on Gould is more useful.

The New Yorker

The dance movements, considerably less focused and precise, were wholly devoid of interest.

The New York Times - Arts

In the theater Jones/Zane choreography has invariably been devoid of interest to me; in context of the exhibition, however, this image came as a relief.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

It doesn't help that her boyfriend, C, seems devoid of interests that aren't at least tenuously related to Shark Week, and her roommate, B, flips through channels as a form of therapy.

Huffington Post

Even topics that to outsiders would seem devoid of political interest merit intervention.

The New York Times

It was devoid of mathematical interest, save for a single concept: the bell curve.

The New Yorker

The glossy, overproduced pictures are devoid of formal interest, and the grandiose scale of the larger ones (12 by 15 feet) only magnifies that deficit.

The New York Times - Arts

"Papillons" is froth devoid of serious interest; "Stabat Mater" is the most sheerly inept work by Mr. Martins I have ever seen, particularly in its ill fit to the music.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "devoid of interest", ensure the context clearly indicates what is lacking interest, and to whom. E.g., "The novel was devoid of interest to readers accustomed to complex narratives."

Common error

While "devoid of interest" is acceptable, excessive use can make your writing sound monotonous. Vary your language by using synonyms like "uninspiring" or "mundane" to add depth to your descriptions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "devoid of interest" functions as an adjectival phrase. It modifies a noun by describing it as lacking in interest or appeal. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

14%

Science

17%

Less common in

Wiki

11%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "devoid of interest" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase for expressing a lack of appeal or excitement. Ludwig's analysis confirms its validity and provides numerous examples from reputable sources. It is most commonly found in news, encyclopedias, and scientific contexts, indicating a neutral to formal register. While effective, it's advisable to vary your language and consider synonyms like "uninteresting" or "uninspiring" to avoid monotony. The phrase's primary function is to negatively assess something, highlighting its inability to engage or stimulate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

uninteresting

Single word replacement, focusing on the quality of not being interesting.

lacking interest

Emphasizes the absence of interest as a missing quality.

uninspiring

Focuses on the failure to inspire enthusiasm or excitement.

without appeal

Highlights the absence of attractiveness or charm.

mundane

Suggests a lack of excitement and ordinariness.

tedious

Implies boredom and monotony.

dull

A simple way to describe something boring and unexciting.

banal

Suggests a lack of originality or freshness.

insipid

Implies a lack of flavor, zest, or excitement.

vapid

Suggests a lack of substance or depth.

FAQs

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

You can use "devoid of interest" to describe something lacking in appeal. For example, "The lecture was completely devoid of interest, and most students struggled to stay awake."

What are some alternatives to "devoid of interest"?

Alternatives include "uninteresting", "lacking interest", or "uninspiring". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "lacking interest" or "devoid of interest"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct and have similar meanings. "Devoid of interest" might sound slightly more formal, while "lacking interest" is more common in everyday speech.

Can "devoid of interest" be used to describe a person?

Yes, although it's more common to describe things or activities. When describing a person, it suggests they lack enthusiasm or passion. For instance, "He seemed completely devoid of interest in the conversation."