devoid of shame

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "devoid of shame" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something that lacks any sense of shame or guilt, often in a negative context. Example: "His actions were utterly devoid of shame, as he continued to lie without remorse."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

TV is devoid of shame, and without shame there can be no distinction between public and private.

The New Yorker

Devoid of Shame aimed to provoke conversation about intercourse and sexuality.

BBC

My self, abandon'd, and devoid of shame, Thro' the wide world your actions will proclaim; Or tho' I'm prison'd in this lonely den, Obscur'd, and bury'd from the sight of men, My mournful voice the pitying rocks shall move, And my complainings echo thro' the grove.

Wikipedia

Long black hair wrapped in a ponytail, black nail polish, fingerless gloves screen-printed with skeleton fingers, carrying a cane used for purely ornamental reasons, he held in his hand a Nook (not even a Kindle, for Christ's sake), on which he was (vocally and devoid of shame) reading The Hunger Games.

Vice

Quite a tough one to gauge, this; on the one hand, you want The Rain Under Floodlight to feel like a place for friends, a house devoid of shame and judgement, somewhere for both the cocksure and the shivering to walk into at any time of day or night and not feel in the slightest bit unwelcome.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

He turned to Nunez and began excoriating him as a lying manipulator — a man "devoid of any shame," with "no chance of rehabilitation".

The New Yorker

Still, few are entirely devoid of a sense of shame, and it's encouraging to learn that failing to observe the Netflix omerta finally caused Fema's to kick in.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Russia should be devoid at last of the kind of shame and tragedies that we have recently endured and seen," he said in a speech during a meeting with officials from the interior ministry.

Huffington Post

Happily devoid of introspection, gloriously unencumbered by guilt, shame or doubt, Richard as a demagogue is unbeatable.

The Guardian

Walk of shame?

Independent

He smiled as he heard the chugging guitar of "Shame, Shame, Shame" by Shirley & Company.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "devoid of shame", ensure that the context clearly indicates the actions or behaviors that demonstrate this lack of shame. Provide specific examples to strengthen your point.

Common error

Be careful not to confuse a genuine lack of shame with confidence or boldness. While both might involve actions that defy social norms, "devoid of shame" implies a moral deficiency rather than simply a strong sense of self.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "devoid of shame" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun, indicating the absence of shame in a person, action, or entity. As Ludwig AI suggests, it is used to describe something or someone that lacks any sense of shame or guilt.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

83%

Wiki

17%

Science

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "devoid of shame" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that describes a lack of shame or guilt. As Ludwig AI indicates, it’s most commonly found in news and media contexts to express disapproval of someone's actions. While alternatives like "shameless" or "lacking shame" exist, "devoid of shame" provides a slightly more formal and emphatic tone. It's important to use this phrase carefully, ensuring the context supports the implication of a genuine moral deficiency rather than mere confidence or boldness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

shameless

Single word replacement that succinctly captures the essence of lacking shame.

lacking shame

More direct and literal phrasing, emphasizing the absence of shame.

unashamed

Highlights the absence of feeling or exhibiting shame.

without any shame

A more emphatic and descriptive way to express the absence of shame.

devoid of scruples

Shifts the focus to the absence of moral principles or qualms.

devoid of morals

Emphasizes a complete lack of ethical standards.

unscrupulous

Single word that means having or showing no moral principles; not honest or fair.

brazen

Implies boldness and a disregard for societal norms or expectations.

impudent

Suggests disrespect and a lack of proper decorum.

audacious

Emphasizes a willingness to take bold risks, sometimes without regard for propriety.

FAQs

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

You can use "devoid of shame" to describe actions or individuals that exhibit a complete lack of remorse or embarrassment, even when their behavior is clearly wrong. For example, "His lies were "devoid of shame", as he continued to deceive those who trusted him."

What are some synonyms for "devoid of shame"?

Synonyms for "devoid of shame" include "shameless", "lacking shame", "unashamed", and "without any shame". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to say "devoid of shame" or "lacking shame"?

Both "devoid of shame" and "lacking shame" are grammatically correct and convey a similar meaning. "Devoid of shame" may sound slightly more formal or emphatic, while "lacking shame" is more straightforward.

What is the difference between "devoid of shame" and "devoid of remorse"?

"Devoid of shame" implies a lack of embarrassment or social awareness regarding one's actions. "Devoid of remorse", on the other hand, suggests a lack of regret or guilt for causing harm or wrongdoing. While related, "devoid of remorse" focuses more on the emotional response to causing harm.