empty-headed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "empty-headed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is perceived as lacking intelligence or thoughtfulness. Example: "Despite his charming demeanor, many found him to be rather empty-headed in discussions about serious topics."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Film

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Monet risked seeming empty-headed.

The New Yorker

"Superman" isn't entirely empty-headed.

The New York Times

It's empty-headed and stupid".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Instead, it is empty-headed.

The New York Times - Arts

It's just empty-headed and stupid".

The Guardian

You empty-headed animal food trough wiper.

The Guardian

Empty-headed dynamical model of infant visual foraging.

Cornell University

The Stork Club was for the empty-headed rich.

The New York Times - Magazine

(An empty-headed person would never make such an observation).

The New Yorker

Garson's was smirking, empty-headed and flirtatious where Ehle's was smirking, strong and intelligent.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Not that "Lysistrata Jones" is entirely empty headed.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "empty-headed" to describe a lack of intellectual depth or serious thought. Be mindful of the potentially offensive nature of the term.

Common error

Avoid using "empty-headed" in formal or professional settings, as it can be perceived as overly critical or disrespectful. Opt for more neutral terms like "uninformed" or "naive" in such situations.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "empty-headed" is as an adjective, used to describe a noun, typically a person, indicating a lack of intelligence or serious thought. Ludwig examples showcase its use in various descriptive contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Film

10%

Less common in

Science

3%

Wiki

4%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "empty-headed" functions as an adjective indicating a lack of intelligence or serious thought. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used. Its frequency is very common, appearing primarily in News & Media. While "empty-headed" is acceptable, it carries a negative connotation, making it important to use judiciously, especially in formal settings. Alternatives like "airheaded" or "frivolous" may be more appropriate depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Airheaded

Implies a lack of seriousness or attention to detail, similar to being scatterbrained.

Scatterbrained

Suggests a disorganized and forgetful mind, often lacking focus.

Frivolous

Describes someone concerned with trivial things, lacking depth.

Lightweight

Indicates a lack of substance or intellectual weight.

Vacuous

Emphasizes a lack of content or substance in one's thoughts or ideas.

Brainless

Directly implies a lack of intelligence or thought.

Daft

Suggests foolishness or silliness.

Birdbrained

A more informal and somewhat humorous way to describe someone unintelligent.

Nitwitted

Describes someone as foolish or stupid.

Simpleminded

Suggests a lack of complexity or sophistication in thinking.

FAQs

How can I use "empty-headed" in a sentence?

You can use "empty-headed" to describe someone who lacks intelligence or thoughtfulness, for example: "The character was portrayed as an "empty-headed" socialite."

What are some synonyms for "empty-headed"?

Some synonyms for "empty-headed" include "airheaded", "frivolous", and "vacuous". Choose the synonym that best fits the context and tone of your writing.

Is "empty-headed" a formal or informal term?

"Empty-headed" is generally considered an informal term. It's best to avoid using it in formal or professional writing. In those contexts, consider using alternatives like "uninformed" or "lacking critical thinking skills".

What is the connotation of "empty-headed"?

"Empty-headed" has a negative connotation, suggesting a lack of intelligence or seriousness. It can be perceived as insulting or dismissive, so use it with caution.