had no appetite

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "had no appetite" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a lack of desire to eat, often due to illness, stress, or emotional distress. Example: "After hearing the bad news, she sat at the table but had no appetite for dinner."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

I had no appetite.

The New York Times

And she had no appetite.

The New York Times

He had no appetite.

The New York Times

They had no appetite at all.

The New York Times - Sports

3- Turkey had no appetite to enter the mediation.

Harvard University

They had no appetite for another tax increase.

The New York Times

(He abandoned it; he had no appetite for empire).

The New Yorker

He had no appetite to do it again.

The New York Times

''Nothing.'' Lawmakers had no appetite for bail reform.

The New York Times - Magazine

Obama had no appetite for superseding the Twenty-second Amendment.

The New Yorker

He had no appetite for university after A-levels.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a patient's symptoms, use "had no appetite" to clearly and concisely communicate a lack of hunger, which can be a key indicator of various health conditions.

Common error

Be mindful of the context; "had no appetite" generally refers to a lack of hunger. Avoid using it metaphorically to describe a lack of interest in something unless the connection is clear and intentional.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "had no appetite" functions as a declarative statement indicating a lack of hunger or desire to eat. Ludwig's examples show this phrase used to describe physical illness, emotional distress, or a general disinterest in food.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

71%

Formal & Business

13%

Science

16%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "had no appetite" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to describe a lack of hunger or desire to eat. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's commonly used in various contexts, from news reports and personal narratives to formal medical settings. While the phrase is generally neutral in tone, it's essential to use it accurately, particularly when discussing medical conditions. Alternatives such as "lacked appetite" or "wasn't hungry" can be used depending on the desired level of formality. It's crucial to remember that "had no appetite" describes a physical state and should not be confused with a general lack of interest unless context makes this connection evident.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lacked appetite

Replaces "had no" with "lacked", maintaining the core meaning of a deficiency in appetite.

felt no hunger

Substitutes "appetite" with the more direct synonym "hunger", emphasizing the physical sensation.

wasn't hungry

A simpler and more direct way of saying someone had no appetite, focusing on the absence of hunger.

had no desire to eat

Explicitly states the lack of desire related to eating, clarifying the context.

experienced appetite loss

Focuses on the process of losing appetite, suggesting a change in condition.

showed no interest in food

Shifts the focus to the observable behavior of not being interested in food.

rejected all food

Emphasizes a complete refusal of food, indicating a strong lack of appetite.

couldn't stomach anything

Suggests a physical inability to eat, often due to illness or nausea.

had no taste for it

Broadens the meaning to include a lack of interest or enjoyment, not just food.

was off their food

An idiomatic expression indicating a temporary lack of appetite, often due to illness.

FAQs

What does it mean when someone says they "had no appetite"?

It means they weren't hungry and didn't feel like eating. It's often a symptom of illness, stress, or emotional distress.

What are some other ways to say "had no appetite"?

You could say someone "wasn't hungry", "lacked appetite", or "felt no hunger", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "have no appetite" instead of "had no appetite"?

Yes, "have no appetite" is correct, but it refers to the present. "Had no appetite" refers to a past state. For example, "I have no appetite today" versus "I had no appetite yesterday".

When should I be concerned if I "have no appetite"?

A temporary loss of appetite is usually not a concern. However, if you "have no appetite" for an extended period, you should consult a doctor, as it could indicate an underlying medical condition.