has become unhinged

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "has become unhinged" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who has lost their mental stability or composure, often in a dramatic or extreme way. Example: "After the constant stress at work, he has become unhinged, reacting irrationally to even the smallest issues."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

I think Americans feel that they're in a bizarre realm that suggests that there is something wrong with our political culture and something has become unhinged in the structures by which we ordinarily balance personal life, family life, politics, social existence.

The New York Times - Arts

"San Francisco is an example of capitalism that has become unhinged," Walker said.

Vice

The movement has become unhinged from the political, environmental, social reasons, and is more about middle-class Americans saving money.

Vice

Like the settlers whose rhetoric he apparently emulates, Netanyahu has become unhinged by Obama's interference with Israel's ongoing colonization of the West Bank.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Boris Johnson suggested that Blair had become "unhinged".

The New Yorker

Look, Ma, I've become unhinged.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Place and locality have become unhinged from geography.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The headmaster seemed to have become unhinged by his own power.

The New Yorker

But the duty fails to address why valuations in China have become unhinged.

The Economist

Many have become unhinged by the interpretive power of a simple idea.

The Washington Post

Some of the greatest works of fiction are narrated by characters who have become unhinged from the norms of society.

Columbia University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "has become unhinged" to describe a significant and noticeable decline in someone's mental or emotional state, especially when their behavior becomes unpredictable or irrational.

Common error

Avoid using "has become unhinged" to describe minor instances of frustration or annoyance. This phrase is best reserved for scenarios where someone's mental state is genuinely compromised.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "has become unhinged" functions as a predicate adjective phrase, describing the state of a subject. It signifies a significant change in mental or emotional stability, often implying a loss of control. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in describing such a state.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Science

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "has become unhinged" is used to describe a state of mental or emotional instability, often resulting in erratic or unpredictable behavior. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and is mostly used in News & Media, Academia and Encyclopedia contexts. While its frequency is rare, it effectively conveys a significant decline in someone's mental state. When using this phrase, reserve it for situations where the instability is genuine and pronounced to avoid overuse or misrepresentation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

has lost it

This alternative suggests a sudden loss of composure or mental stability.

has gone mad

This alternative emphasizes a state of insanity or extreme irrationality.

has snapped

This alternative implies a sudden and often irreversible break from normal behavior.

has cracked

This alternative indicates a breakdown under pressure, leading to mental instability.

has become deranged

This alternative suggests a severe mental disorder causing erratic behavior.

has become unstable

This alternative conveys a general sense of mental or emotional instability.

has gone off the rails

This alternative suggests a loss of control and deviation from expected behavior.

has become unglued

This alternative emphasizes a loss of coherence and rationality.

has become demented

This alternative suggests a decline in cognitive function and mental state.

has unraveled

This alternative implies a gradual disintegration of mental or emotional stability.

FAQs

What does it mean when someone "has become unhinged"?

When someone "has become unhinged", it means they have lost their mental stability or composure, often behaving irrationally or unpredictably.

How to use "has become unhinged" in a sentence?

You can use "has become unhinged" to describe a person whose behavior suggests a significant mental or emotional breakdown. For example, "After the constant stress at work, he "has become unhinged", reacting irrationally to even the smallest issues."

What can I say instead of "has become unhinged"?

You can use alternatives like "has lost it", "has gone mad", or "has snapped" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to say someone "has become unhinged"?

It is appropriate to use the phrase "has become unhinged" when describing a serious decline in someone's mental or emotional state. However, avoid using it lightly or in contexts where it might be considered offensive or insensitive.