numb

USAGE SUMMARY

"numb" is a correct and usable word in written English.
You may use it to describe someone or something that has lost the ability to feel or the sensation of something. For example: "Her feet had gone numb after standing for so long."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Encyclopedias

Opinion

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Our relationship with technology has become so woven into our daily lives, we've become numb to the scientific miracles around us.

The Guardian - Film

The first 100 days of the new Conservative government will rely on this sort of numb shock.

The Guardian

I felt numb and that was better than feeling pain".

The Guardian - Sport

Meanwhile, a numb Indian team, who had played so flawlessly en route to the final, could only look on at ecstatic celebrations and regret their remarkably tepid performance.

The Guardian - Sport

It was clear that the intervening 60 or so years had done very little to numb the extreme hurt she had experienced as a child.

The Guardian - Arts

Inhaling a bottle of Merlot during halftime didn't numb our nerves as hoped.

The Guardian - Sport

The films rendered numb by criticism and parody.

The Guardian - Film

"To be told over the phone, 10 years after he had died, that all his organs had been taken away was just so awful that I can barely describe how numb I feel.

The Guardian

On screen, one bottle lies smashed and bleeding red pulp all over the street, while another looks on, numb with horror.

The Guardian - Opinion

I woke to find three of the toes on my right foot yellow-white, numb, freezing and sporting purplish rings at the base.

The Guardian

I'm not talking wimpy, generic dance music, trance and the like, which numb the senses into a limp state of apathy.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "numb" to describe a lack of physical sensation, as in, "My fingers were numb from the cold."

Common error

Avoid using "numb" to describe situations where someone is simply inactive or unmotivated. "Numb" implies a loss of sensation or feeling, not just a lack of action. Saying "He was numb to the possibilities" is less effective than "He was oblivious to the possibilities".

Linguistic Context

The word "numb" functions primarily as an adjective, describing a state of reduced or absent sensation. As demonstrated by Ludwig, it can refer to both physical and emotional states, indicating a lack of feeling or responsiveness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Sport

10%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Opinion

4%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "numb" is a versatile term primarily used as an adjective to describe a state of reduced or absent sensation, whether physical or emotional. As Ludwig AI indicates, the term is grammatically correct and appropriate for use in diverse contexts, ranging from news reports to personal narratives. While synonyms like "insensible" or "apathetic" offer alternative shades of meaning, "numb" effectively conveys a lack of feeling or responsiveness. Be mindful of using "numb" correctly by recognizing that it signifies a lack of feeling or sensation, rather than simple inactivity. The frequency with which it appears in reliable sources underscores its significance in everyday language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

insensible

Focuses on the lack of physical feeling or awareness.

unfeeling

Emphasizes the lack of emotional response or empathy.

anaesthetized

Implies a state induced by a medical or chemical substance.

deadened

Suggests a reduction in sensitivity, either physical or emotional.

unresponsive

Highlights a lack of reaction or response to stimuli.

paralyzed

Indicates a complete loss of movement or sensation in a specific area.

emotionless

Specifically refers to a lack of emotional expression or feeling.

apathetic

Describes a state of indifference or lack of interest.

detached

Implies a sense of emotional distance or disconnection.

stupefied

Suggests a state of mental numbness or shock.

FAQs

How can I use "numb" in a sentence?

You can use "numb" to describe a lack of physical sensation, as in "My hand felt "numb" after holding the ice for so long" or to describe a lack of emotional feeling, as in "She felt "numb" after hearing the news".

What are some synonyms for "numb"?

Alternatives to "numb" include "insensible", "unfeeling", "anaesthetized", or "deadened", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "numb" and "apathetic"?

"Numb" often implies a loss of sensation or feeling, whether physical or emotional. "Apathetic", on the other hand, describes a state of indifference or lack of interest or concern. Someone might feel "numb" after a shock, while they might be "apathetic" due to boredom or disillusionment.

Is it correct to say "I feel numb"?

Yes, it is correct. Saying "I feel "numb"" expresses a state of emotional or physical insensitivity, as if your feelings or sensations are dulled or absent.