lack of feeling

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lack of feeling" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an absence of emotional response or sensitivity in a person or situation. Example: "His lack of feeling during the emotional conversation surprised everyone in the room."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Joe's selfishness is never cold-hearted; he feels his lack of feeling.

The Guardian

The lack of feeling tends to go both ways in today's Republican party.

The Guardian

Smart people would also say that sentimentality always indicates a lack of feeling.

The New Yorker

"And my father replied with total tactlessness, lack of feeling, lack of empathy.

The New Yorker

His problem was not a lack of feeling but an excess of it.

The Guardian - Arts

The primary diagnostic feature of sociopathy is callousness — lack of feeling — toward others.

The New Yorker

For me, depression and darkness is about a lack of feeling, an absence of emotional connection.

The Guardian - Books

Was it for the crime of lack of feeling that Meursault faced the guillotine?

The New York Times - Books

"His lack of sentimentality is sometimes confused with lack of feeling".

The Economist

Bill is a real louse, a pathological mix of charm, menace and lack of feeling -- dangerous to know.

The New York Times

Hempel is good on the pinched quality of the Bodles' lives and their lack of feeling for one another.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing emotional states, use "lack of feeling" to denote an absence of emotion rather than a suppressed or hidden feeling. For example, use it when discussing conditions like apathy or emotional detachment.

Common error

Avoid using "lack of feeling" when you mean someone is suppressing their emotions. "Lack of feeling" implies a genuine absence, not a conscious effort to hide emotions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lack of feeling" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It typically acts as a subject, object, or complement within a sentence. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

25%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "lack of feeling" is a grammatically correct and frequently used noun phrase to describe an absence of emotion, empathy, or physical sensation. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. It is employed across various contexts, from news and media to scientific literature, indicating its broad applicability. While alternatives like "emotional detachment" and "absence of emotion" exist, the specific choice depends on the desired nuance. Be mindful to distinguish between a genuine absence of feeling and the suppression of emotions. Understanding its proper use and available alternatives enhances clarity and precision in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

emotional detachment

Emphasizes separation from emotions, suggesting a psychological state.

emotional numbness

Highlights a state of reduced emotional responsiveness, often linked to trauma or stress.

absence of emotion

A more general term indicating a complete absence of emotional response.

lack of empathy

Specifically points to the inability to understand or share the feelings of others.

callousness

Implies a cruel disregard for the feelings of others.

apathy

Describes a state of indifference or lack of concern.

indifference

Suggests a lack of interest or concern, often in a specific situation.

emotional void

Emphasizes an internal emptiness or absence of emotional connection.

sensory deprivation

Focuses on the absence of physical sensation, rather than emotional feeling.

affectlessness

Indicates a lack of emotional expression or responsiveness, often used in a clinical context.

FAQs

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

You can use "lack of feeling" to describe an absence of emotional response. For example: "His "lack of feeling" during the crisis was unsettling."

What's the difference between "lack of feeling" and "emotional detachment"?

"Lack of feeling" generally refers to the absence of emotion, while "emotional detachment" implies a conscious or unconscious separation from one's emotions as a coping mechanism.

What are some alternatives to "lack of feeling"?

You can use alternatives like "emotional numbness", "absence of emotion", or "lack of empathy" depending on the context.

Is "lack of feeling" the same as "callousness"?

No, ""lack of feeling"" indicates an absence of emotion, while "callousness" suggests a deliberate disregard for the feelings of others.