drained of meaning

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "drained of meaning" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that has lost its significance or importance, often due to overuse or misuse. Example: "After years of repetition, the slogan felt completely drained of meaning and no longer resonated with the audience."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

This is a distinction drained of meaning.

The New York Times

Bitter jokes appeared, flourished, were finally drained of meaning.

The New York Times - Books

Likewise his new photographs, which are saturated in colour but oddly drained of meaning.

The Guardian - Arts

Some bits of this will be well-worn slogans, repeated so often as to be drained of meaning.

The Economist

After 100 days of sound and fury in Washington, words such as unprecedented and normal have been drained of meaning.

The Guardian

But they're also the ideas that cause Congress to immediately grind to a halt and that, when packaged in nonspecific campaign-speak, are quickly drained of meaning.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

In my head it's all become this one thing that's fast draining of meaning.

The Guardian - Music

My friend Gary periodically performs what he calls "rhetorical surgery" on himself, excising from his vocabulary a word that feels drained of all meaning.

Huffington Post

The vagaries of interpretation have drained Marxism of meaning as a clear-cut model.

The New York Times

The Court's application of that standard in this case effectively drains it of meaning.

Cornell University

In a country as conservative as Russia, calling protest hooliganism drains it of meaning.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "drained of meaning" to describe terms, phrases, or concepts that have become overused or misused, leading to a loss of their original impact.

Common error

While "drained of meaning" is acceptable, excessive use can weaken your writing. Consider stronger synonyms like "devoid of meaning" or rephrase to convey the loss of significance more directly.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "drained of meaning" functions as a descriptive phrase, typically modifying a noun to indicate that it has lost its original significance or impact. This is supported by Ludwig examples, which showcase its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "drained of meaning" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe the loss of significance or impact in something, especially words or concepts, primarily found in News & Media and Academic contexts. According to Ludwig, this phrase is usable in written English. Alternative phrases include "devoid of meaning" and "empty of significance". While widely used, writers should avoid overusing this phrase for a more powerful impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

meaningless

A direct synonym, indicating a lack of purpose or value.

devoid of meaning

Emphasizes a complete absence of meaning, stronger than "drained of meaning".

lost all significance

Focuses on the process of losing importance over time.

empty of significance

Focuses on the lack of importance or consequence.

bereft of significance

Similar to "empty of significance", but implies a prior presence of significance that is now lost.

lacking substance

Highlights the absence of depth or value.

hollow

Implies a superficiality and lack of genuine feeling or value.

vacuous

Suggests emptiness and a lack of intelligence or serious thought.

stripped of its essence

Indicates that the core or fundamental quality has been removed.

insipid

Describes something dull, bland, and lacking interest or flavor.

FAQs

What does "drained of meaning" mean?

The phrase "drained of meaning" describes something that has lost its significance, impact, or importance, often due to overuse, misuse, or the passage of time. It suggests that the original value or purpose has been diminished or removed.

How can I use "drained of meaning" in a sentence?

You can use "drained of meaning" to describe words, phrases, ideas, or symbols that have become clichéd or ineffective. For example: "After years of political spin, the term 'reform' has become "devoid of meaning"."

What are some alternatives to "drained of meaning"?

Some alternatives to "drained of meaning" include "devoid of meaning", "empty of significance", "meaningless", or "lacking substance". The best choice depends on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "drained of meaning"?

It is appropriate to use "drained of meaning" when you want to emphasize that something has lost its original impact or value. This is particularly relevant when discussing language, symbols, or concepts that have been overused or misinterpreted.