intellectual void

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "intellectual void" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a lack of intellectual engagement, understanding, or knowledge in a particular context. Example: "The debate quickly devolved into an intellectual void, with neither side presenting any substantial arguments."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

Toni Morrison declared, after having read it, that Coates filled the "intellectual void that plagued me after James Baldwin died".

The Guardian - Books

Its disappearance with Obama, or at least its retreat, leaves a gaping intellectual void needing to be filled.

The New York Times

There are a few creative thinkers (most of them under 30), but for the most part, McCain is forced to run in an intellectual void.

The New York Times

Black-eyed and preternaturally passive, Loïc is a disconcerting blend of emotional innocence and sexual proficiency, an intellectual void who reads dictionaries for the understandings that elude him.

The New York Times

All that aside, we have to admit, from what we've learned about the future Mrs Clooney so far, we can understand why she changed his mind – she fills an intellectual void an army of beautiful-but-bland Cloon-conquests could all but dimly gaze at.

Independent

They could certainly do a lot worse than Coates, whose book has already been lauded by Toni Morrison ("I've been wondering who might fill the intellectual void that plagued me after James Baldwin died"), and helped him to win a prestigious MacArthur "genius" award.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

Cortázar goes on: "Every question of this type is always more than a question; it confirms a deficiency, a need to fill an intellectual or psychological void, and it often shows that an answer is less important than being able to fully live the question, to eagerly move forward along the paths that open up inside us".

The New Yorker

Concurrent with the decline of the left, the figure of the 'expert' public intellectual filled the void and eventually replaced the critical intellectual in terms of prominence and moral authority on issues of the day.

Huffington Post

It becomes demonstrably clear that you suffer from a moral, intellectual, and ethical void and you try to cover your shortcoming by ridiculing and scorning everybody but those who cater to your ego.

Huffington Post

Following Trump's unhinged Phoenix speech, James Clapper, the former director of National Intelligence, said on CNN, "I really question his … fitness to be in this office," describing the address as "scary and disturbing" and characterizing Trump as a "complete intellectual, moral, and ethical void".

The New Yorker

At the same time, the spinning gravitational, emotional, father-son heart of the book keeps the novel's atmosphere from drifting into the void of cold intellectual space.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "intellectual void" to describe situations where there is a noticeable absence of meaningful thought, discussion, or understanding. It's stronger than simply saying someone is "unintelligent".

Common error

Avoid using "intellectual void" to describe a simple difference of opinion. It implies a complete absence of intellectual substance, not just disagreement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "intellectual void" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often serving as a subject complement or object. Ludwig AI validates this through various examples, where it describes a lack or absence of intellectual substance.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "intellectual void" effectively describes a lack of intellectual substance or engagement in various contexts, as supported by numerous examples. Ludwig AI's analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. While not extremely common, it's a valuable term for expressing a significant absence of thought or understanding. When using this phrase, it's essential to ensure the context warrants such a strong characterization and to avoid overstating its implications. Alternatives like "cognitive vacuum" or "absence of intellect" may offer more nuanced expressions depending on the specific situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

intellectual vacuum

Similar to "cognitive vacuum", but focuses more on the broader intellectual sphere.

cognitive vacuum

Emphasizes the emptiness in thinking or understanding.

absence of intellect

Directly states the lack of intellectual capacity or activity.

lack of intellectual depth

Highlights the shallowness or superficiality of thought.

paucity of thought

Indicates a scarcity or limited amount of meaningful thinking.

intellectual desert

Metaphorically describes a barren or unproductive intellectual environment.

dearth of ideas

Focuses on the shortage or lack of creative or innovative concepts.

barren intellect

Implies that someone's mind is infertile and unable to produce original thought.

lack of critical thinking

Highlights the absence of analytical or evaluative reasoning skills.

ideological gap

Points to a missing framework of understanding or core values.

FAQs

How can I use "intellectual void" in a sentence?

You can use "intellectual void" to describe a situation where there is a lack of intellectual engagement or substance. For example, "The debate quickly devolved into an "intellectual void", with neither side presenting any substantial arguments."

What are some alternatives to saying "intellectual void"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "cognitive vacuum", "absence of intellect", or "lack of intellectual depth".

Is "intellectual void" a formal or informal expression?

"Intellectual void" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but it's generally more appropriate for analytical or descriptive writing and speech.

What's the difference between "intellectual void" and "moral void"?

"Intellectual void" refers to a lack of intellectual engagement or substance, while "moral void" refers to a lack of ethical principles or moral compass.