empty of meaning

USAGE SUMMARY

'empty of meaning' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe something that has no significance or value. For example: This sentence is empty of meaning.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

It's mysterious, unreliable (if you believe researchers), and empty of meaning.

The Washington Post

The idea they convey, he suggested, is at once uniquely powerful and empty of meaning.

The New York Times

Not because it reminds me of how empty of meaning the house is now but because the house is perhaps not so empty after all.

The New Yorker

To the priests and the congregants on Sunday, many attending from other churches or mosques, the victims of the attack were martyrs, or shohada — an Arabic word commonly used here to describe both suicide bombers and their victims, as if to impose meaning on violence that feels empty of meaning.

The New York Times

These men have been living with oppression Since the day of their birth They cannot make the trees grow with their water Or the song "Amassakoul 'n' Ténéré" ("The Traveller in the Desert"), which seems to question the very reality of tribe and community: You who are organized assembled, walking together Hand in hand, you're living A path which is empty of meaning In truth, you're all alone.

The New Yorker

The much-hyped phrase "farm to table" has become so empty of meaning that when you come upon the real thing, you can still be amazed at the idea.

HuffPost

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

But when the great Lincoln speeches are ritually cited, or recycled for commemoration, they have become completely emptied of meaning.

The New York Times

His Adam is inevitably a flawed work of art — an appealing shape that is nonetheless emptied of meaning.

The New Yorker

Until a recent surgery, he still shook hands and smiled like the politician he once was, but the gestures have been emptied of meaning.

The New York Times

It is as though bad faith – that which sees us doggedly adhering to ritual even as it empties of meaning – is contaminating, insidiously harmful, limitless.

The Guardian - Books

I still remember the jolt I felt, after a long relationship ended, when I went to use one of "our" words to someone new but realised it had been emptied of meaning.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "empty of meaning" to describe abstract concepts, arguments, or actions that lack substance or significance. For instance, "The politician's speech was full of promises, but ultimately empty of meaning."

Common error

Be careful not to use "empty of meaning" when a simpler word like "meaningless" would suffice. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound verbose.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "empty of meaning" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun to indicate a lack of significance, purpose, or substance. As Ludwig AI shows, this phrase is frequently used to describe abstract concepts or situations.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Academia

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "empty of meaning" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression that signifies a lack of substance, purpose, or significance. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is suitable for various contexts, ranging from news and media to academic discussions. While alternatives like "meaningless" exist, "empty of meaning" provides a slightly more descriptive nuance. When using this phrase, be mindful of avoiding redundancy and ensure it accurately reflects the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

meaningless

A more direct and concise adjective expressing a lack of meaning.

devoid of significance

Replaces "empty" with "devoid" and "meaning" with "significance", emphasizing a lack of importance.

devoid of content

Focuses on the absence of substantive information or material.

lacking in substance

Focuses on the absence of essential content or value, using the word "substance".

bereft of value

Stresses the absence of worth or usefulness.

without purpose

Highlights the absence of an intended aim or goal.

vacuous

Suggests emptiness and a lack of intelligence or thought.

insignificant

Emphasizes a lack of importance or consequence.

without merit

Indicates a lack of praiseworthiness or quality.

hollow

Implies a lack of inner content or sincerity, more figurative than literal.

FAQs

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

You can use "empty of meaning" to describe something that lacks significance or purpose. For example, "The gesture seemed kind, but it felt "empty of meaning" without any genuine emotion behind it."

What are some alternatives to saying "empty of meaning"?

Alternatives include "meaningless", "insignificant", or "devoid of significance" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "emptied of meaning" or "empty of meaning"?

"Empty of meaning" describes a state of lacking meaning. "Emptied of meaning" implies something once had meaning but has lost it. Choose based on whether the subject inherently lacks meaning or has had its meaning removed.

What is the difference between "empty of meaning" and "devoid of meaning"?

While very similar, "devoid of meaning" might suggest a more complete absence. "Empty of meaning" still expresses a lack of substance or purpose. The choice often depends on stylistic preference as the two are largely interchangeable.