lack of sentiment

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lack of sentiment" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation, attitude, or expression that is devoid of emotional feeling or affection. Example: "The report was criticized for its lack of sentiment, failing to connect with the audience on a personal level."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

"This displayed the true lack of sentiment of the pure capitalist", it said.

The Guardian

The lack of sentiment and the love of language are what's new in his work.

The New Yorker

The Patriot's week-to-week expertise is accomplished with a rigorous attention to detail, and a ruthless lack of sentiment.

The New Yorker

And there was just enough low-key sizzle and lack of sentiment to keep the long night aloft.

The New York Times - Arts

If 21st Century Fox has a quality that separates it from the other news companies, it's lack of sentiment.

The Guardian

"Dodi," Dr. Halverson sighed, shaking his head at her lack of sentiment, an atavistic admiration dancing around his lips.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

In truth our clarity and our lack of romantic sentiment, even our ability to get audiences to understand Shakespeare's dialectic, was born entirely out of the precision of our text work.

The Guardian - Books

In particular, his piano-with-strings efforts — "October Suite," recorded in 1966, and "Promises Kept," recorded in 2004 and performed at the 2006 Caramoor International Music Festival — have been noted for their subtle swing and lack of saccharine sentiment.

The New York Times

A commitment to conservation and corresponding lack of anticonservation sentiment is held across these viewpoints.

Rangeland Ecology & Management

Monin explained that the current crisis illustrates "the nonchalance of Lebanese politicians and their lack of any sentiment of public accountability".

Vice

He blamed poor standards at airports on lack of competition, a sentiment that has been echoed throughout the travel industry.

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "lack of sentiment," consider the tone. It can be neutral, critical, or even admiring depending on the context. If you want to soften the tone, add the phrase "a certain" before "lack of sentiment".

Common error

Avoid using "lack of sentiment" when you mean "lack of sensibility". "Lack of sentiment" describes a general absence of emotion, while "lack of sensibility" indicates a deficiency in refined emotions or moral awareness. Therefore, ensure your word choice reflects the specific quality you intend to convey.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lack of sentiment" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It typically serves as the subject or object of a sentence, describing the absence of emotional feeling or affection. Ludwig indicates that the expression is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

13%

Science

11%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "lack of sentiment" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression in English. According to Ludwig, it is appropriate for describing situations or characteristics marked by an absence of emotional feeling, tenderness, or affection. Predominantly found in News & Media and Encyclopedic sources, the phrase carries a neutral register, suitable for both objective reporting and critical analysis. When using "lack of sentiment", ensure it aligns with your intended tone, distinguishing it from related terms like "lack of sensibility". Consider alternative phrasing such as "absence of feeling" or "devoid of emotion" to tailor your message with greater precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

absence of feeling

Focuses on the emotional void, similar to lacking sentiment.

devoid of emotion

Emphasizes the complete absence of emotional expression.

unemotional nature

Highlights the inherent characteristic of being unemotional.

cold-heartedness

Implies a more negative connotation of lacking empathy and warmth.

indifference

Indicates a lack of concern or interest, related to sentiment.

apathy

Similar to indifference, suggesting a lack of motivation or enthusiasm.

detachment

Suggests emotional distance and a lack of involvement.

lack of empathy

Directly addresses the inability to understand or share the feelings of others.

emotional reserve

Implies a controlled expression of emotions rather than a complete absence.

stoicism

Suggests enduring hardship without showing feelings, particularly distress.

FAQs

What does "lack of sentiment" mean?

"Lack of sentiment" refers to the absence of emotional feeling, tenderness, or affection. It can describe someone who is perceived as cold or detached.

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

You can use "lack of sentiment" to describe a person's character, an artistic work, or a business decision. For instance, "The character's "lack of sentiment" made him a ruthless businessman."

What are some alternatives to "lack of sentiment"?

Alternatives include "absence of feeling", "devoid of emotion", or "unemotional nature". The best alternative depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "lack of sentiment" or "lack of emotion"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct and convey similar meanings. However, "lack of sentiment" often implies a more conscious or deliberate absence of feeling, whereas "lack of emotion" can suggest a broader inability to experience feelings.