feral

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "feral" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe animals that have returned to a wild state from domestication or to refer to something that is wild or untamed. Example: "The feral cats in the neighborhood have formed a large colony and are often seen scavenging for food."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I thought you were bad parents, that your children were essentially feral and that, if you really needed to travel anywhere, you should have just walked.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

His is the dark byways of Colaba, where Irani restaurants provide milky tea and feral cats may be good companions.

The Guardian

"Because we were called Wild, people assumed we were feral and rampant, barefoot in the street, with no adult supervision.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The rock paintings, more of which are being discovered yearly, are under threat from constant wildfires, from feral animals that rub against the cave walls and from wasps whose nests dislodge the ephemeral ochre paints.

The Guardian

Instead of funding so lavishly SNH's deeply flawed action plan to conserve feral tabby cats the Scottish government should be providing funds to Wildcat Haven to continue its efforts at saving the genuine article.

The Guardian - Opinion

Mull rumours say cat collars are found in nests ("a complete fabrication," says Sexton – the eagles do snatch feral cats, which does all wildlife a favour).

The Guardian

Sarah's feral birth twin, notable for her wild Shakira hair and even wilder clone-slaughtering antics "We called her 'the little monster' on set.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Steve Piper founded the Scottish Wildcat Association and helped establish Wildcat Haven, an area along the Ardnamurchan Peninsula in the western Highlands in which 250 square miles have been cleared of feral cats and feline diseases, the two principal threats to the Scottish wildcat.

The Guardian - Opinion

They need to do it once, properly, and identify sites with either pure or near-pure wildcats, then apply a methodology such as the one used on Wildcat Haven; neuter away feral cats in spaces which can be isolated whether as a peninsula, or enclosed by large lochs or mountain ranges.

The Guardian - Opinion

He hopes the engineering skills shortage in Europe might help them to be accepted somewhere, anywhere barrel bombs don't fall from helicopters and severed body bits aren't carried around his block of flats by feral dogs.

The Guardian

In contrast to Blair – who denounced "feral beasts" in the press speech two years after he fought his last election and named only the not very beastly Independent – Baldwin spoke two nights before a vital byelection.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "feral" to describe an animal that once was domestic and now lives in the wild or has gone back to its wild state.

Common error

Avoid using "feral" in formal or professional writing unless the context specifically calls for a strong emphasis on wildness or lack of control. Opt for more neutral terms like "wild" or "uncontrolled" in formal settings.

Linguistic Context

The word "feral" functions primarily as an adjective, modifying nouns to describe a state of wildness, especially in formerly domestic animals or, figuratively, in human behavior. Ludwig AI confirms this applicability through numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "feral" is an adjective primarily used to describe domesticated animals that have returned to a wild state, although it can also describe wild or untamed behavior in humans. Ludwig AI confirms it's grammatically correct and widely used. The term appears frequently in news and media, often with a neutral or slightly negative connotation. While synonyms like "wild" and "untamed" exist, "feral" carries a specific implication of reversion from domestication. When writing, be mindful of the context and choose words that appropriately reflect the intended level of formality. The provided examples show versatile use of the term, so consider the audience when adding this word.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

wild

Describes a natural, untamed state, similar to "feral" but applicable to a broader range of living things and situations.

untamed

Emphasizes the lack of domestication or control, much like "feral" does, but can also apply to abstract concepts.

undomesticated

Specifically refers to animals that are not domesticated, closely mirroring the primary meaning of "feral".

savage

Highlights the fierce or violent aspects of an untamed state, adding a negative connotation.

uncontrolled

Focuses on the lack of regulation or restraint, applicable to both animals and behavior.

out of control

Implies a situation or behavior has exceeded manageable limits, similar to the secondary meaning of "feral".

unrestrained

Suggests a lack of boundaries or limitations, often used to describe behavior or emotions.

run wild

Suggests a lack of supervision or discipline, often describing children's behavior or something growing without control.

gone wild

Implies something has become uncontrolled or chaotic, similar to the more figurative uses of "feral".

atavistic

Refers to a return to primitive or ancestral traits, related to the idea of reverting to a wild state.

FAQs

How can I use "feral" in a sentence?

You can use "feral" to describe animals that have returned to a wild state, such as "The "feral cats" were scavenging for food.". It can also describe unruly behavior, like "The children were acting "feral and unruly"."

What's the difference between "feral" and "wild"?

"Feral" typically refers to domesticated animals that have returned to a wild state, whereas "wild" describes animals that have never been domesticated. A "wild animal" lives independently of humans in its natural habitat. A feral animal descended from domestic ancestors and now lives in the wild.

What can I say instead of "feral"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "wild", "untamed", or "savage". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to use "feral" to describe a person?

Yes, "feral" can be used to describe a person, but it often carries a negative connotation, implying they are unruly, unkempt, or behave in a wild or uncontrolled manner. Using "unruly" or untamed could be better choices.