feared dead

USAGE SUMMARY

"feared dead" is a grammatically correct phrase and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to describe someone who is believed to have died, but their death has not been confirmed. Example: After the plane crash, the passengers were feared dead by their families, who anxiously awaited news from the authorities.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Both men are feared dead.

The Guardian

Fifty people are feared dead.

The Economist

Dozens were feared dead.

The New York Times

Thousands are feared dead.

The Guardian

More than 100 were feared dead.

The New York Times

Other local residents were also feared dead.

The New York Times

The rest were trapped and feared dead.

The New York Times

Some 770 people were feared dead.

The Economist

Joseph Serge Miot, was feared dead.

The New York Times

Dozens of other people were feared dead.

The New York Times

An additional 50 people were feared dead.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "feared dead" when you want to convey uncertainty and concern regarding someone's fate, allowing for the possibility of survival, however slim.

Common error

Avoid using "feared dead" when there is definitive evidence of death. In such cases, use "confirmed dead" or simply "dead" to avoid misleading your audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "feared dead" functions as a descriptive term, indicating a state of being where individuals are believed to have died, though confirmation is pending. Ludwig provides numerous examples showing this usage across varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Encyclopedias

8%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Science

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "feared dead" is a common descriptor used when individuals are presumed to have died due to specific circumstances, although their deaths haven't been officially verified. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is grammatically correct and widely used in various contexts, mainly in news and media. The phrase conveys both the likelihood of death and the uncertainty surrounding it. When writing, it’s important to ensure the context supports the presumption of death without definitive proof. Using alternatives like "presumed dead" or "believed to have perished" can offer similar meanings, depending on the nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

presumed dead

Focuses on a legal or formal assumption of death, often after a prolonged absence.

believed to have perished

Emphasizes the idea that someone is thought to have died, often in a tragic event.

missing and presumed dead

Combines the uncertainty of being missing with the likelihood of death.

likely deceased

A more formal way of expressing the high probability of death.

presumed lost

Focuses more generally on being lost but in circumstances where death is a likely outcome.

unaccounted for

Highlights that someone's whereabouts are unknown, often in a disaster scenario.

vanished without a trace

Emphasizes the mysterious disappearance, implying a lack of any evidence of life.

gone missing

A simple way to say that someone is missing, possibly implying death depending on context.

lost at sea

Specifically indicates disappearance in a maritime environment.

considered lost

Someone who is thought to be dead.

FAQs

How is "feared dead" typically used in a sentence?

The phrase "feared dead" is generally used to describe people who are believed to be dead, usually due to tragic circumstances, but whose deaths have not been officially confirmed. For instance, "After the shipwreck, many passengers were "feared dead"".

What's the difference between "missing" and "feared dead"?

"Missing" simply means that a person's whereabouts are unknown. "Feared dead" implies a belief that the missing person has likely died, based on circumstances, even without confirmed evidence. Someone who is "missing" might still be alive, while someone "feared dead" is presumed not to be.

What are some alternatives to saying "feared dead"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "presumed dead", "believed to have perished", or "missing and presumed dead". The best choice depends on the specific nuances you wish to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "feared dead" if there is a small chance of survival?

Yes, "feared dead" is appropriate when the circumstances suggest a high likelihood of death, but a small possibility of survival remains. The phrase conveys uncertainty, acknowledging that confirmation is still pending. However, avoid using it if there's concrete evidence the person is alive.