devoid of passion

USAGE SUMMARY

"devoid of passion" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is usually used to describe someone or something lacking in emotion or intensity. For example, "His performance was devoid of passion, leaving the audience uninspired."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

Moreover, the descriptions are almost completely devoid of passion.

Harvard Business Review

By contrast, "I'm in" seems devoid of passion or even meaning.

The Guardian

"How Do You Feel?," by Anthony Browne, presents a very similar concept, but its pages are devoid of passion.

The New York Times - Books

Kretschmer's profile on the social networking site Kwick.de gave the image of a young man devoid of passion.

The Guardian

The cyber gallery is nearly always dense, confusing, difficult to navigate, devoid of passion and, worse, of intellect.

The New York Times - Arts

This change lends nothing to the film, a torpid version of a classic that is ultimately and unjustly devoid of passion.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

He speaks flatly with the faded Boston accent from his youth, devoid of partisan passion and with a technocratic emphasis on competence.

The Washington Post

Devoid of the passion that fuels real life or its camp mirror (there's a touch of "Valley of the Dolls" here, but alas, only a hint), she tosses a few booze bottles, but her motivations remain amorphous.

The New York Times

These Olympics will be remembered not only for the friendly embrace of the people and the stunning efficiency of the organizers, but also for the strict control that left the Games feeling devoid of playfulness, passion and festive spirit.

The New York Times - Sports

With the Nets' defensive juggernaut, Kenyon Martin, serving the first game of his two game-suspension for his sixth flagrant foul of the season, and with point guard Jason Kidd riddled with the flu, the Nets were devoid of defense, passion and poise.

The New York Times - Sports

The orphanage felt devoid of love.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "devoid of passion" when you want to emphasize a complete absence of strong emotion, energy, or enthusiasm. This phrase is stronger than simply saying something lacks passion.

Common error

Avoid using "devoid of passion" when a more subtle lack of enthusiasm is meant. Phrases like "lacking excitement" or "somewhat indifferent" may be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "devoid of passion" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun to indicate a complete lack of passion. As Ludwig AI points out, it describes something lacking emotion or intensity. It serves to highlight the absence of feeling in a subject or situation.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Science

1%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "devoid of passion" is used to describe a complete absence of emotion or enthusiasm. As noted by Ludwig AI, it's considered grammatically correct and is often used in news and media to express a critical viewpoint. While synonyms like "lacking passion" and "emotionless" exist, "devoid of passion" carries a stronger emphasis on the total absence of feeling. Be mindful of context, ensuring its use aligns with the intended level of criticism or disappointment.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lacking passion

Direct synonym, replaces "devoid of" with "lacking".

unenthusiastic

Directly states a lack of enthusiasm.

without passion

Uses "without" instead of "devoid of", a more straightforward construction.

emotionless

Focuses on the absence of emotion, a key component of passion.

uninspired

Describes a lack of creative or motivational drive.

apathetic

Indicates a lack of interest or concern.

indifferent

Shows a neutral or unbiased stance, lacking enthusiasm.

detached

Implies a separation or lack of involvement.

listless

Describes a lack of energy and enthusiasm.

cold

Suggests a lack of warmth or emotional expression.

FAQs

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

You can use "devoid of passion" to describe performances, relationships, or even abstract concepts that lack emotional intensity. For example: "The speech was technically correct, but ultimately "devoid of passion".".

What are some alternatives to "devoid of passion"?

Some alternatives include "lacking passion", "emotionless", or "uninspired". The best choice depends on the specific context.

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

"Devoid of passion" implies a complete absence of passion, while "lacking passion" suggests a lesser degree of passion. The choice depends on the intensity you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "devoid of passion" in writing?

It is appropriate when you want to emphasize a significant and noticeable absence of emotion, energy, or enthusiasm. This phrase is suitable for formal writing, news reports, and literary contexts where strong emotional expression is expected but missing.