devoid of virtue

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "devoid of virtue" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something that lacks moral principles or goodness. Example: "The character in the story was portrayed as devoid of virtue, making his actions all the more reprehensible."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The word "Pūtanā", broken as "Pūt" (virtue) and "nā" (no) means "devoid of virtue".

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

"I am truly devoid of all virtue," he informs us.

The New Yorker

Peter's growing prestige attracted numerous pilgrims to Rome, even during times when his successor was devoid of any virtue.

Encyclopedia Britannica

This alternative history is devoid of merit.

The Guardian - Opinion

Junk food politics is politics devoid of policy or civic virtue.

Huffington Post

Rogen and Goldberg seem to have distilled religion into a conventional, generic, common-sense conception of virtue that's devoid of doctrine and that they reinscribe in the popular mythological trappings of Christianity.

The New Yorker

This means that the process of marketization might not necessarily be associated with market transactions' depersonalization or social disembedding, and instead development may be hindered if the market is devoid of social bonds and social virtue.

The Journal of Chinese Sociology

Mr. Khodorkovsky is no paragon of virtue.

The New York Times

He vindicates the centrality of virtue in a well-lived life by showing that in the normal course of things a virtuous person will not live a life devoid of friends, honor, wealth, pleasure, and the like.

SEP

It meant the pursuit of virtue".

Forbes

The Banality of Virtue?

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a character or situation as "devoid of virtue", provide specific examples to illustrate the absence of moral qualities. This adds depth and credibility to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "devoid of virtue" in overly simplistic contexts where a less formal phrase would suffice. Save it for situations where the lack of virtue is a significant and impactful characteristic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "devoid of virtue" functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun to indicate a lack of moral qualities. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage and indicates that is a suitable term to describe something that lacks moral principles.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

13%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "devoid of virtue" is a grammatically correct and relatively uncommon expression used to describe something lacking in moral goodness or ethical principles. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it functions as an adjective phrase and is most frequently found in News & Media, Science and Encyclopedias. While synonyms like "lacking in virtue" or "without virtue" exist, "devoid of virtue" carries a more formal tone and is best suited for contexts where a strong moral judgment is being conveyed. When using this phrase, ensure that the absence of virtue is clearly illustrated with specific examples to enhance the impact of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lacking in virtue

Replaces "devoid of" with "lacking in", maintaining the core meaning with a slight shift in phrasing.

without virtue

A more direct and simpler way of expressing the absence of virtue.

bereft of virtue

Uses "bereft of" for a more formal and literary tone, emphasizing a sense of loss.

absent of virtue

Emphasizes the absence of virtue, indicating a complete lack thereof.

deficient in virtue

Highlights a deficiency or inadequacy in moral character.

wanting in virtue

Implies a need or lack of virtue, suggesting a moral failing.

morally bankrupt

A stronger term suggesting a complete failure of moral principles.

ethically compromised

Focuses on ethical failings, suggesting a deviation from ethical standards.

unprincipled

Describes someone who lacks principles and moral guidance.

immoral

A broad term indicating a lack of morality and ethical behavior.

FAQs

What does "devoid of virtue" mean?

The phrase "devoid of virtue" means lacking any moral principles, goodness, or ethical behavior. It describes something or someone without positive moral qualities.

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

You can use "devoid of virtue" to describe a character, action, or situation. For example: "The villain's actions were completely "devoid of virtue"."

What are some synonyms for "devoid of virtue"?

Synonyms for "devoid of virtue" include "lacking in virtue", "without virtue", and "morally bankrupt", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "devoid of virtue" a formal or informal expression?

"Devoid of virtue" leans towards a more formal and literary register. In informal contexts, simpler phrases like "without virtue" might be more appropriate.