devoid of water

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "devoid of water" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You could use it to describe an area or condition that does not possess water, for instance "The desert was devoid of water, making it difficult for those travelling through."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

Reuters recently found the kayaking course devoid of water.

The Guardian - Sport

A survey in Essex in 2006 found most main rivers "utterly devoid of water voles".

The Guardian

Eight and 10 at a time, they squat in concrete storage rooms at each end of the pig sheds, all devoid of water or toilets.

The New York Times

While ice still exists near the poles, most of Mars, including the equatorial region where the Opportunity set down last week, is devoid of water, liquid or frozen.

The New York Times

You might imagine this event, where 65,000 people converge in a blazing desert devoid of water, food or electricity, would be a recipe for disaster.

The Guardian

In actuality, maria are huge basins containing lava flows marked by craters, ridges, faults, and straight and meandering valleys called rilles and are devoid of water.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

Some of the common pilgrim routes, where the symbolic stoning of Satan takes place for example, were devoid of any water supplies other than the presence of young policemen occasionally squirting random pilgrims' faces with water.

The Guardian - Opinion

Some portions of the state are rich in pine forests, meadows, and fish-laden mountain streams, while other areas are devoid of any water bodies, and even cacti struggle to survive.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"The Naked Island," released in 1960, is a stark, wordless drama, filmed in quasi-documentary style, about an impoverished farming family scraping out a living on a barren outcropping devoid of fresh water.

The New York Times - Arts

I visited the country during this period, when I was based in Nairobi as a correspondent, and it was a rewarding but rough experience — driving along bombed-out roads past the burned remains of Soviet tanks, staying in derelict hotels devoid of running water or electricity.

The New York Times - Travel

It was pointed out that Farakka barrage was constructed for safety of Calcutta port which is the life line of the entire eastern region but if the port was devoid of minimum water required there was no justification of construction of Farakka barrage at the cost of Rs. 156 crores.

Bandung: Journal of the Global South

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a specific location, consider using "devoid of water" to highlight the starkness and severity of the environment.

Common error

Avoid using "devoid of water" to describe situations where water is temporarily unavailable. This phrase implies a complete and often permanent absence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "devoid of water" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun to indicate the absence of water. It adds descriptive detail, specifying a condition or state. Ludwig AI affirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

40%

Encyclopedias

14%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

3%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "devoid of water" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to describe something that lacks water, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. Its primary function is adjectival, serving to specify the absence of water in a subject. While versatile, the phrase is most often encountered in neutral to formal contexts, notably in news, scientific articles, and encyclopedic entries. Alternatives such as "lacking water" or "waterless" can be used for variety, but "devoid of water" is suitable for emphasizing a complete absence. Remember to use this phrase carefully and avoid using it in temporary dry situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lacking water

Directly states the absence of water, simpler in structure.

without water

A more straightforward and common way of expressing the absence of water.

waterless

A single-word adjective emphasizing the absence of water.

deficient in water

A more formal and technical way to indicate a water shortage.

dry

A general term indicating absence of moisture, including water.

bereft of water

A more literary and emphatic synonym for "lacking water".

arid

Implies a chronically dry condition, suitable for describing climates.

desiccated

Suggests complete drying out, often used for organic matter.

parched

Emphasizes the effect of dryness, often implying thirst.

dehydrated

Primarily used in biological contexts to describe loss of body water.

FAQs

What does "devoid of water" mean?

The phrase "devoid of water" means completely lacking water; entirely without water.

What can I say instead of "devoid of water"?

You can use alternatives like "lacking water", "without water", or "waterless" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "devoid of water"?

Yes, "devoid of water" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase. It's appropriate when you want to emphasize the complete absence of water.

How to use "devoid of water" in a sentence?

You can use "devoid of water" to describe a place or object. For example, "The desert was completely "devoid of water"".