empty pursuit

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "empty pursuit" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an endeavor or goal that lacks meaning, value, or fulfillment. Example: "Chasing after wealth without purpose often leads to an empty pursuit that leaves one feeling unfulfilled."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

It's an empty pursuit.

The New York Times

She says that she needs balance in her life; that she would find sports, or, as she puts it, "hitting yellow balls" — which she is devoted to — a pretty empty pursuit without having causes that she's committed to.

The New Yorker

Mr. Lightman, who is married to a painter, Jean, and who has two daughters, ages 20 and 14, said he harbored hope that the next generation might be able to transcend what he sees as the current culture's empty pursuit of money and bandwidth.

The New York Times

A point at which the daily noise, the material possessions and the rush of an empty pursuit take a backseat in the vehicle of one's life.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Here was a series dedicated not to the empty-headed pursuit of technical excellence but to the exploration of ideas.

The New Yorker

Hollow Pursuits.

Vice

Only a week before Mower's ominous warnings, I had started a little blog called The Thoughtful Dresser to bring together my two passions, fashion and literature (to me, style and shopping are not the empty-headed pursuits of Paris, Victoria, Coleen et al, but a serious matter that serious women are interested in).

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Some of the definitions Johnson later entered under "vanity" in his Dictionary suggest the range of meaning of his title, including "emptiness," "uncertainty," "fruitless desire, fruitless endeavour," "empty pleasure; vain pursuit; idle show; unsubstantial enjoyment; petty object of pride," and "arrogance".

Encyclopedia Britannica

One would be hard-pressed to construe the Spanish government as tyrannical and oppressive, yet ETA still bombs away.Terrorists vocalise an empty rhetoric in pursuit of their goals.

The Economist

Unhappily, the kitchen sometimes resorts to empty Asian flourishes in pursuit of culinary fashion, and the service is often klutzy.

The New York Times - Arts

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

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a pursuit as "empty pursuit", clearly identify what the pursuit is lacking – meaning, value, fulfillment – to provide context and strengthen your argument.

Common error

Avoid using "empty pursuit" in overly casual or informal settings. The phrase carries a certain weight and can sound out of place if the context doesn't warrant it.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "empty pursuit" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "empty" modifies the noun "pursuit". This construction typically serves to describe a pursuit that lacks inherent value or meaning. The usage of "empty pursuit" implies a critical assessment of the endeavor. Ludwig AI analysis aligns with this understanding.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "empty pursuit" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe an activity or goal lacking meaning or fulfillment. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. While its occurrence is relatively rare, it's primarily found in news and media contexts, serving to express disapproval or skepticism. When using this phrase, ensure clarity about what the pursuit lacks to maximize its impact. Alternatives such as ""futile endeavor"" or ""meaningless endeavor"" can provide nuanced variations depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

meaningless endeavor

Directly indicates a lack of significance or purpose in the activity.

futile endeavor

Focuses on the lack of success or achievement rather than inherent emptiness.

vain quest

Highlights the pride or ego possibly driving the pursuit, implying a lack of real value.

worthless undertaking

Emphasizes the lack of value or merit in the project.

fruitless chase

Emphasizes the unproductive nature and wasted effort of the endeavor.

hollow ambition

Shifts the focus to ambition, suggesting it lacks depth or genuine purpose.

pointless exercise

Suggests the activity is unnecessary and yields no beneficial results.

purposeless striving

Highlights the lack of direction or aim in the effort being made.

idle quest

Suggests the pursuit is lazy or without any real effort to achieve something.

abortive attempt

Stresses the failure and incompleteness of the pursuit.

FAQs

What does "empty pursuit" mean?

An "empty pursuit" refers to an activity or goal that lacks real meaning, purpose, or fulfillment. It often suggests that despite effort and dedication, the outcome offers little satisfaction or lasting value.

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

You can use "empty pursuit" to describe activities like chasing fleeting fame or accumulating wealth without a meaningful purpose. For example, "Chasing fame can be an "empty pursuit" if it's not accompanied by genuine talent and passion."

What are some alternatives to "empty pursuit"?

Alternatives to "empty pursuit" include "futile endeavor", "vain quest", or "meaningless endeavor". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "empty pursuit" a negative term?

Yes, "empty pursuit" generally carries a negative connotation. It implies that the endeavor in question is not worthwhile and may lead to disappointment or a lack of fulfillment.