empty stare

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "empty stare" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a look that somebody has on their face which shows emptiness, either emotionally or mentally. For example: "He looked at me with an empty stare, as if he had nothing left to give."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

A strangely empty stare.

The New Yorker

But now he looked at me with a sorrowful, nearly empty stare: "Pud, why did she do that to me?

The New York Times

Heavily leaning on the stick that she clutches with gnarled fingers, she raises her head with the empty stare of the blind.

The New York Times - Arts

The video begins with Jennifer Lopez receiving ideas from a nameless record label exec with huge teeth and an empty stare about a video for her new single.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Before this, and because she didn't want the children to meet his empty stare, Nancy sometimes arranged for them to visit Mount Sinai but only to stand across the avenue and look up to where their father would be waiting at his window, looking down at this pretty woman and some blond kids waving their hands.

The New Yorker

The internees are horribly thin, raw-boned some are almost cadaverous, with skin like parchment folded around their arms their faces are lantern-jawed, and their eyes are haunted by the empty stare of the prisoner who does not know what will happen to him next.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

The young women, looking like dummies, have empty stares and strike conventional postures.

The New York Times - Arts

There is no wailing grief here, just empty stares, desperation and bickering.

The New York Times

They had the haunted look that comes at the end of a long race: gaunt cheeks, empty stares.

The New Yorker

Are her empty stares and refusal to engage with classmates signs of autism, which was the diagnosis made for both of her brothers several years ago?

The New York Times

Impeccable condition and appealing details like an urban landscape seen through an open window at the back work in its favor but the empty stares of the characters, all depicted three-quarters in repetitive postures, do not.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context when using "empty stare". It can be a powerful tool to convey emotional numbness or a lack of understanding, but ensure it aligns with the overall tone and message of your piece.

Common error

Avoid using "empty stare" repeatedly in close proximity. Vary your descriptions by using alternative expressions like "vacant gaze" or "blank expression" to prevent the description from becoming monotonous.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "empty stare" functions primarily as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It is used to describe a particular quality of someone's gaze, indicating a lack of emotion, understanding, or engagement. According to Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "empty stare" is a grammatically sound and descriptively potent expression used to depict a lack of emotion or understanding in someone's gaze. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a correct and usable phrase. While not overly common, it frequently appears in descriptive contexts, particularly in news and media, where it's used to convey states like grief, confusion, or detachment. Alternative phrases, such as "vacant gaze" or "expressionless look", can provide nuanced variations. When employing "empty stare" in writing, consider the emotional weight it carries and ensure its usage aligns with the overall tone and narrative. Overuse should be avoided to maintain its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

vacant gaze

Focuses on the lack of cognitive activity or engagement in the stare.

blank expression

Emphasizes the absence of any discernible emotion or thought.

expressionless look

Highlights the lack of any visible emotion or feeling.

glassy-eyed look

Suggests a dazed or unfocused quality, often implying shock or detachment.

unseeing eyes

Indicates a lack of awareness or perception, as if the person is looking but not truly seeing.

hollow gaze

Conveys a sense of deep emptiness or emotional exhaustion.

fixed stare

Highlights the unwavering and often unsettling nature of the gaze.

deadpan look

Implies a deliberate lack of emotion, often used for comedic effect.

absent look

Suggests that the person's thoughts are elsewhere, leading to a detached expression.

unresponsive gaze

Emphasizes the person's lack of reaction or engagement with their surroundings.

FAQs

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

You can use "empty stare" to describe someone's expression when they are feeling detached, confused, or overwhelmed. For example, "After hearing the news, she sat in silence with an "empty stare"."

What's the difference between "empty stare" and "blank stare"?

While both describe a lack of emotion, "empty stare" often suggests a deeper sense of loss or detachment, while "blank stare" is a more general term for a lack of expression. You might use "empty stare" to depict grief and "blank stare" for confusion.

What can I say instead of "empty stare"?

You can use alternatives like "vacant gaze", "expressionless look", or "hollow gaze" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is "empty stare" formal or informal?

The phrase "empty stare" is considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although it is more commonly found in descriptive writing than in formal reports.