empty dream

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "empty dream" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a hope or aspiration that is unrealistic or unlikely to be fulfilled. Example: "Chasing after fame without talent is just an empty dream."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

Significant recent advances such as the molecular identification of Nogo and an explosion of activity designed to identify antagonists of its function have reawakened the once empty dream of regenerating brain function after injury.

Drug Discovery Today: Therapeutic Strategies

A recent mall development nearby is promising new money to the neglected shopping district, but her posters suggest capitalism is an empty dream.

The Guardian - Arts

Instead of a haven of last resort, these internal migrants more often confront another empty dream of social mobility, without the skills or education to make a living.

The New York Times

Guevara had hoped in the early days that the island might escape from the tyranny of sugar production and diversify its economy, but Castro perceived this to be an empty dream.

The Guardian

Despite endless Israeli propaganda to the contrary, the Palestinian refugees' right of return is not a terrorist threat, nor is it an empty dream, much less an evil desire.

The New York Times

It is also the artist's first major work to be seen in New York since "Mariko Mori: Empty Dream," an installation at the Brooklyn Museum of Art in 1999.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

She now calls him "Sword of empty dreams".

The New York Times

Some hours later, talking stirred me from my empty dreams and I sat bolt upright wondering who had got into my room.

The Telegraph

The earthily practical Johnson showed that these were not empty dreams and that finding realistic ways of creating a better world is what Americans are supposed to do.

The Washington Post

But fame is a liar who strokes your ego and leads you down the dark roads of lonliess, false entitlement and an endless pursuit of empty dreams.

Huffington Post

Compare that to just $28.6 billion wagered on the gaming tables and you quickly realize this isn't a town built on the reckless daring of high rollers, but on the empty dreams of desperate dollar-a-hit junkies.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "empty dream" to express skepticism or disappointment regarding a goal that seems promising but is ultimately unachievable. It's more impactful when describing societal or widely-held beliefs, not just personal goals.

Common error

Avoid using "empty dream" to describe minor setbacks or easily attainable goals. This phrase is best reserved for situations where the dream represents a larger, more significant illusion or deception.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "empty dream" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "empty" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "dream". As seen in Ludwig's examples, it describes a hope or aspiration that lacks substance or is unlikely to be realized.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "empty dream" is a valid and frequently used expression, as confirmed by Ludwig. It effectively conveys the idea of an aspiration or goal that is ultimately unachievable or lacks substance. While grammatically sound and prevalent in news and media, it's important to consider the scope and significance of the dream when using this phrase. Alternatives like ""unrealistic aspiration"" or ""futile hope"" can offer nuanced perspectives depending on the context. Overall, "empty dream" serves as a powerful tool for expressing skepticism and disillusionment in both formal and informal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unrealistic aspiration

Focuses on the impracticality of the goal.

futile hope

Emphasizes the lack of potential for success.

illusory ambition

Highlights the deceptive nature of the goal.

hollow vision

Suggests a lack of depth or substance in the aspiration.

vain aspiration

Indicates a sense of excessive pride or futility.

pipe dream

Implies an idea that is completely impractical or fanciful.

false hope

Highlights the deception involved in believing in the dream.

unattainable goal

Focuses on the impossibility of achieving the desired outcome.

chimerical scheme

Emphasizes the fantastical and unreal nature of the plan.

groundless fantasy

Suggests the dream lacks any basis in reality.

FAQs

How can I use "empty dream" in a sentence?

You can use "empty dream" to describe a hope or aspiration that is unrealistic or unlikely to be fulfilled. For example: "Chasing after fame without talent is just an "empty dream"".

What are some alternatives to "empty dream"?

Alternatives include "unrealistic aspiration", "futile hope", or "illusory ambition", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "empty dream" a formal or informal expression?

"Empty dream" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although it's more frequently found in news articles and general discourse than in highly formal academic papers.

What is the difference between "empty dream" and "pipe dream"?

While both phrases describe unlikely goals, "pipe dream" often suggests a greater degree of fancifulness and impracticality than "empty dream", which may simply refer to a hope that lacks substance or is destined to fail.