morbid

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'morbid' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a feeling of extreme depression or sadness, usually about something related to death. For example: "Ralph had a morbid feeling about his hometown since his best friend had passed away."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Duchamp had only two phobias: flying in an airplane, and an "almost morbid horror of hair", according to his first wife.

The Guardian - Arts

Even at the age of 10 or 11 I recognised that something strangely morbid hovered over their pages, and that dispersing this chilling miasma might make more sense of the world I was living in.

The Guardian - Books

My aunt died from complications owing to morbid obesity in her early 50s, and I knew the same fate awaited me – and probably sooner.

The Guardian - Opinion

A postmortem revealed she died from ventricular hypertrophy (thickening of the cardiac muscle of the heart) and obstructive sleep apnea due to morbid obesity, Hull coroner's court heard.

The Guardian

That may seem a little morbid, but it hardly paves the way for their sinister symbolism in today's secular age.

The Guardian - Film

He performed as a child with his incredibly morbid father, and suffered manic depression throughout his life.

The Guardian

Rudd's had a "morbid interest" in the issue which had the potential to impact both on Australia's fate in the upcoming vote for a seat on the UN security council and on his own chances to return to the prime ministership.

The Guardian

This week I shall pay homage to that most American of holidays, Halloween, by bringing you some morbid morsels from the cold depths of academia.

The Guardian

Sickert is not unhealthily morbid but socially concerned – how mean of Ripperologists to turn his compassionate art into evidence against him.

The Guardian - Arts

ONCE a lure for the morbid as well as the curious, zoos are transforming themselves into the planet's modern arks.

The Economist

And at the end of that 30 year test, I think we can say that it got one important thing right, and one important thing wrong.To an economic historian, the Depression inspires a kind of morbid fascination, like contemplating the campaigns of Genghis Khan or the spread of the Black Plague.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "morbid" to accurately convey a strong sense of gloom, often related to death or decay. Ensure the context aligns with the intensity of the word.

Common error

Avoid using "morbid" when "sad" or "gloomy" would suffice. "Morbid" carries a heavy connotation, so ensure the situation warrants such a strong term.

Linguistic Context

The adjective "morbid" primarily functions to describe something characterized by a preoccupation with death, disease, or decay. It modifies nouns, adding a layer of unsettling or disturbing quality, as seen in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Encyclopedias

32%

The Economist

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "morbid" is an adjective used to describe something characterized by a preoccupation with death, disease, or decay. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. While it's a common term found in news and encyclopedias, its intensity suggests a neutral to formal register. When writing, use "morbid" to accurately convey a strong sense of gloom, but avoid it when a milder term would suffice. Alternatives such as "macabre", "ghoulish", and "gruesome" offer similar but distinct shades of meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

macabre

Focuses on the disturbing and gruesome aspects of death.

ghoulish

Implies a fascination with death and the repulsive.

gruesome

Highlights the horrifying and shocking nature of something.

unhealthy obsession

Suggests a preoccupation that is psychologically damaging.

lugubrious

Emphasizes excessive sorrowfulness and mournfulness.

morose

Indicates a sullen and ill-tempered disposition.

depressing

Causes feelings of sadness and hopelessness.

pessimistic

Reflects a belief that the worst will happen.

funereal

Associated with funerals and mourning.

cadaverous

Resembling a corpse, often implying paleness and thinness.

FAQs

How can I use "morbid" in a sentence?

You can use "morbid" to describe an interest in death or something unpleasant, like "He had a morbid fascination with true crime stories."

What words can I use instead of "morbid"?

Consider alternatives like "macabre", "ghoulish", or "gruesome" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to describe someone as "morbid"?

Describing someone as "morbid" can be harsh, as it suggests an unhealthy interest in death or unpleasant things. Use it cautiously and consider the impact of your words.

What's the difference between "morbid" and "melancholy"?

"Morbid" implies a preoccupation with death and decay, while "melancholy" suggests a more general state of sadness or pensiveness. "Morbid" is more intense and specific.