madness

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "madness" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it as a noun to describe a state of wild or chaotic behavior, or a state of being mentally ill. For example, "He was driven to madness by his unending anxiety."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Film

Lifestyle

Sport

Travel

Society

Music

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The after-dark madness that congregates around the fantasy areas of Shangri-la and Arcadia will be given more room than ever this year, with the festival ploughing in an extra £200,000 into the area, increasing its size by 10 acres.

The Guardian - Music

Andrew Teacher, spokesman for the British Property Federation, said: "At a time where we need the freedom for people to invest in regeneration projects to create new jobs, listing the MK Centre is utter madness.

The Guardian - Arts

Facebook Twitter Google plus Share Share this post Facebook Twitter Google plus close 12.36pm BST12 36 Zac Goldsmith, a Conservative, says it is madness allowing so many factory farms to use antibiotics when there is a risk of bacteria becoming immune.

The Guardian

The writing was so amazing and I feel like we've never had anything quite as good since then, so that's what I'd like to see: another trip in the madness that, like with Black Mirror and like Twilight Zone, deals with aspects of the human psyche.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

At university you just have to find some method in the madness and get on with it.

The Guardian

In a tradition that goes back to Durer's Melancholia but reached new power in the Romantic age, he equates genius and madness.

The Guardian

From something to be depicted by artists, "madness" has become a source of artistic originality in itself.

The Guardian

Once Munch and Van Gogh made "madness" a positive value in modern art, a key to visionary truth, it was only a matter of time before the medical profession too started to see new connections between art and the mind.

The Guardian

Perhaps that is television's other appeal at this time of year: a chance to mentally detach yourself from the madness and stop asking so many questions.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

It seems madness that in 2014 such barriers and stereotypes still have to be challenged.

The Guardian - Sport

And, from here, it would be madness not to pop through to the Duomo.

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "madness", consider the specific nuance you want to convey: insanity, foolishness, or chaotic activity. Choose synonyms accordingly to enhance clarity.

Common error

While "madness" is widely understood, it can sometimes sound informal in academic or professional writing. Opt for more precise terms like "mental instability" or "irrationality" for a more formal tone.

Linguistic Context

The word "madness" functions primarily as a noun, denoting a state of being mentally ill, extremely foolish, or a condition of wild, chaotic activity. As supported by Ludwig, the term is widely used across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Lifestyle

10%

Film

8%

Less common in

Sport

7%

Travel

5%

Society

3%

Music

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "madness" is a versatile noun used to describe states ranging from insanity and irrationality to chaotic activity, as affirmed by Ludwig. Its usage spans various contexts, with a strong presence in news and media. While grammatically correct and widely understood, it's important to consider the formality of the context and choose synonyms accordingly for clarity. The term is frequent and authoritative sources such as The Guardian often employ it. While generally acceptable, being mindful of the specific nuance and intended register ensures effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

insanity

Direct synonym referring to a state of severe mental illness.

craziness

Informal synonym highlighting erratic or irrational behavior.

lunacy

Implies foolish or eccentric behavior, often associated with unpredictability.

folly

Emphasizes the foolishness or lack of good sense in an action or decision.

mania

Describes a state of abnormally elevated mood, energy, and activity.

derangement

Refers to a state of mental disarray or impairment.

delirium

Indicates a state of confusion, disorientation, and hallucinations.

frenzy

Suggests a state of wild excitement or uncontrolled activity.

irrationality

Focuses on the lack of logical thinking or reason.

absurdity

Highlights the ridiculous or nonsensical nature of a situation or idea.

FAQs

How can I use "madness" in a sentence?

You can use "madness" to describe a state of insanity, extreme foolishness, or chaotic behavior. For example, "The "madness of war"" or "He was driven to "brink of madness" by stress".

What are some synonyms for "madness"?

Synonyms for "madness" include "insanity", "craziness", "lunacy", and "folly depending on the context".

Is "madness" appropriate for formal writing?

While generally acceptable, "madness" may be considered informal in certain academic or professional contexts. Consider using more precise or formal alternatives like "mental instability" or "irrationality".

What's the difference between "madness" and "insanity"?

"Madness" is a broader term encompassing various forms of mental derangement and foolish behavior. "Insanity" typically refers specifically to a severe mental illness that impairs a person's ability to understand reality.