emptiness

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "emptiness" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a state of being empty, lacking content, or feeling a sense of void or absence. Example: "After the party ended, a profound sense of emptiness settled in the room, as if the laughter had left an echo behind."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Here's why… Dawn, during the spring and summer months, brings something incredible to our cities – emptiness.

The Guardian

As far as the eye can see, a cornucopia of organic wheat, cereals, sunflowers, pulses and legumes has been turned into a vista of emptiness.

The Guardian

A man on the ground and someone holding a paper and, over there, a row of houses plonked down on the emptiness.

The Guardian - Arts

If nothing else, spending small amounts of time away from him would be good training for the moment he moves out, when we're left to confront the unrelenting emptiness of our lives and pour all our attention into a succession of crap hobbies.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Recognising the emptiness of claims for "Keynesian" fiscal stimulation is a start.

The Guardian - Opinion

The film's subject-matter could not be grimmer, yet Lang enlivens grey emptiness with an Otto Dix-like burlesque energy.

The Guardian - Film

He just sits there, peering across an emptiness which is like a vast desert or the sea.

The Guardian - Arts

In a world where the human race accumulates more information every five minutes than exists in the entire US Library of Congress, emptiness and silence are the new luxuries.

The Guardian - Travel

They long to be independent, to get away from the place where everyone knows their business, to escape "the sins of the Midwest, the flatness, the emptiness, the necessary acceptance of the familiar".

The Economist

But Ms Smith twists her plot so subtly (impossible to explain here) that it is precisely Archie's emptiness, his lack of rhyme or reason, his habit of making decisions by the flip of a coin, that carry the day.

The Economist

He plans to reopen an abandoned corner shop near the garden as a community centre and store.For such men Detroit's emptiness offers chances that are unavailable elsewhere; it makes the city into a sprawling laboratory, a living stage.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "emptiness" to describe not only physical spaces but also emotional states or abstract concepts like the "emptiness" of a promise.

Common error

Avoid using "emptiness" when you mean a lack of interest or concern. "Emptiness" suggests a void, while apathy implies indifference.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "emptiness" is a noun, representing a state or condition of being empty. This is evident in examples such as "the emptiness of our lives" or "the emptiness he felt before being saved", where it acts as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the term "emptiness" functions primarily as a noun, denoting a state of being devoid of content, substance, or emotional fulfillment. It's grammatically sound and commonly used across a spectrum of contexts, particularly in News & Media. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and usable in written English. While synonyms like "void" or "vacuity" offer nuanced alternatives, it's crucial to distinguish "emptiness" from related concepts like apathy or loneliness. By understanding its multifaceted nature, writers can effectively harness the expressive potential of "emptiness" to enrich their communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

void

Focuses more on the absence of something specific, creating a vacuum.

vacuity

Emphasizes a lack of meaningful content or purpose.

hollowness

Highlights a sense of emotional or spiritual lack.

vacuum

Implies a space devoid of any matter or substance.

vacancy

Refers to an unoccupied space or position.

nihility

Conveys the idea of nonexistence or nothingness.

inanity

Focuses on the lack of intelligence or sense.

futility

Emphasizes the pointlessness or uselessness of something.

barrenness

Suggests a lack of fertility or productivity.

desolation

Highlights a state of loneliness and abandonment.

FAQs

How can I use "emptiness" in a sentence?

"Emptiness" can describe physical spaces lacking content (e.g., "the emptiness of the room"), emotional states (e.g., "a feeling of emptiness"), or abstract concepts (e.g., "the emptiness of modern life").

What are some synonyms for "emptiness"?

Alternatives to "emptiness" include "void", "vacuity", "hollowness", or "vacuum", depending on the specific context and nuance you wish to convey.

Is it correct to use "emptiness" to describe a person's emotional state?

Yes, it is perfectly acceptable to use "emptiness" to describe a person's emotional state, such as feeling a sense of loss or lack of purpose. For example, "After his departure, she felt a profound emptiness".

What's the difference between "emptiness" and "loneliness"?

"Emptiness" describes a state of lacking content or substance, while "loneliness" refers to the feeling of being isolated and without companionship. You can experience "emptiness" without being lonely, and vice versa.