lack of compassion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lack of compassion" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or behavior where someone shows insufficient empathy or kindness towards others. Example: "The lack of compassion shown by the management during the crisis left employees feeling undervalued and unsupported."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

A lack of compassion among staff.

The Guardian

c. Lack of compassion for the poor and needy.

The New York Times

"There's a lack of compassion and a lack of concern".

The New York Times

"There is one serious disconnect and that is the lack of compassion," he said.

The Guardian

Cameron's lack of compassion and stark inhumanity was obvious from the outset.

Independent

A lack of compassion can be as vulgar as an excess of tears".

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Trump supporter Lynette Hardaway sees her candidate's lack of compassion as a strength.

The Guardian

There are practitioners showing lack of compassion and students noticing it in all healthcare professions.

The Guardian

The health secretary will add that a lack of compassion is not the issue.

The Guardian

Hendrickson faults previous biographers for their lack of compassion, and his own store of it is seemingly bottomless.

The New York Times - Books

And the absurd categorisation of animal suffering shows a complete lack of compassion by both the experimenters and the regulators.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "lack of compassion", ensure the context clearly demonstrates the absence of empathy or kindness. Provide specific examples to support your claim, strengthening the impact of your statement.

Common error

Avoid solely relying on the phrase "lack of compassion" without illustrating it with concrete examples. Instead, show the consequences of this lack through actions or outcomes, making the impact more tangible for the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lack of compassion" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies the absence of a quality (compassion). According to Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically sound and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "lack of compassion" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression that highlights the absence of empathy or kindness. Ludwig confirms its validity and common usage. It functions as a noun phrase, often expressing disapproval or criticism. While appropriate in both neutral and formal contexts, its impact is strongest when supported by specific examples, with an extensive presence in the news and media, as well as formal and business writing. Related terms include "absence of empathy" and "deficiency in kindness". Understanding the nuances of this phrase allows for more precise and impactful communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

absence of empathy

Focuses on the absence of understanding and sharing the feelings of others.

deficiency in kindness

Highlights the shortage of benevolent and gentle behavior.

want of sympathy

Emphasizes the need for shared feelings and understanding, especially in times of distress.

emotional indifference

Stresses the lack of emotional response or concern towards others.

callousness

Indicates a hardened insensitivity and disregard for others' feelings.

heartlessness

Suggests a lack of feeling or pity, often implying cruelty.

insensitivity

Points out the failure to be aware of or understand others' feelings.

apathy

Highlights a lack of interest, enthusiasm, or concern.

disregard for others

Focuses on ignoring or neglecting the needs and feelings of other people.

lack of human understanding

Emphasizes a deficiency in the ability to comprehend and appreciate human experiences and emotions.

FAQs

How can I use "lack of compassion" in a sentence?

You can use "lack of compassion" to describe a person, action, or situation that demonstrates an absence of empathy or kindness. For example, "The politician's "lack of compassion" towards the poor was evident in his policies."

What's the difference between "lack of compassion" and "lack of empathy"?

While closely related, "lack of compassion" often implies a visible absence of kindness or caring, while "lack of empathy" suggests an inability to understand or share the feelings of others. Compassion involves action, whereas empathy is more about understanding.

What are some alternatives to "lack of compassion"?

You can use alternatives such as "absence of empathy", "deficiency in kindness", or "emotional indifference" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "lack of compassion" in formal writing?

Yes, "lack of compassion" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when discussing ethical issues, social commentary, or evaluating behavior. Ensure that its usage is supported by clear evidence and context.