plundered

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "plundered" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the act of stealing goods, typically in a violent or forceful manner, often associated with war or conflict. Example: "The ancient city was plundered by invading forces, leaving its inhabitants in despair."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"No one imagined that all this private information, this treasure trove about just the sort of people who filled these newspapers in their millions, could be accessed and listened to in this way, let alone plundered as a source for stories".

The Guardian

He hit so ferociously that the BBC's highlights could not keep up; but it was as well tactically that he did - including off Lawson's two accidental beamers - because the runs plundered that evening would not have been half so readily available next morning, against fresh bowlers and a new ball.

The Guardian - Sport

Mohammed's father-in-law, Abu Bakr, had already plundered the original settlement, according to Justin Marozzi's new history of Baghdad (Allen Lane, £25, warmly reviewed here).

The Guardian

They put on 81 for India's fourth wicket before Kolhi and Dhoni plundered 50 from the final four overs.

The Guardian - Sport

Mr Chávez, in effect, plundered its reserves for about $580m, both by forcing it to sell him dollars at the official exchange rate, and by taking dollars from the state oil company that traditionally went to the central bank.

The Economist

In return elected officials share out funds plundered from state coffers.

The Economist

Other objects were plundered as booty by British soldiers, who sold them or passed them on to their families, who, in turn, often bequeathed or donated them to museums.

The Economist

Details about millions of users have also been plundered from an online shop, a games developer and a mobile-phone operator.The scale of this latest incident has revealed the financial sector's vulnerability.

The Economist

In the 1990s hundreds of objects plundered from tombs in Italy and elsewhere were tracked down to Geneva's warehouse (along with papers showing that some had been laundered by being sold at auction to straw buyers, then handed straight back with the legitimate purchase documents).

The Economist

This provoked resentment and insurrection in resource-rich provinces such as Aceh, which saw their wealth plundered by a corrupt elite.

The Economist

Mr Song (whose name is a homonym for the phrase "to send someone to heaven") was jailed after he dropped his mobile phone at a grave he had plundered: the police used it to track him down.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "plundered", ensure the context clearly indicates a forceful or violent taking of goods or resources. This word carries strong connotations of injustice and exploitation.

Common error

Avoid using "plundered" to describe simple theft or loss. This term implies a significant act of forceful seizure, not just a missing item.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "plundered" is a verb, specifically the past tense and past participle of the verb "plunder". It describes an action of forcibly taking goods or resources, often associated with violence or injustice. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a usable term in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "plundered" is a versatile verb form denoting the forceful and often unethical or illegal taking of resources. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts. While most frequently found in News & Media and Formal & Business, its strong connotations make it unsuitable for describing minor thefts. Consider synonyms like "looted" or "ransacked" based on the specific nuance you want to convey. Always ensure the context aligns with the forceful nature implied by "plundered".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Looted

Implies theft, often during a war or riot. Is subtly different in its suggestion of chaotic circumstances.

Pillaged

Similar to "plundered" but often implies a systematic and widespread looting, usually in wartime. It indicates systematic and widespread looting.

Ransacked

Suggests a thorough search resulting in damage and theft. It changes the emphasis towards violence and thoroughness.

Sacked

Suggests the violent destruction and looting of a city or town. It stresses the violent nature of the event.

Despoiled

Indicates the stripping of value or beauty, especially from a place. It emphasizes loss of beauty more than theft.

Raided

Refers to a sudden attack to seize something. It focuses more on the surprise nature of the act.

Stolen

A general term for taking something without permission or legality. It's a more generic term for theft.

Exploited

Implies using someone or something unfairly for one's own advantage. It shifts the focus to unfair use rather than outright theft.

Stripped

Indicates the removal of something valuable or important. This changes the focus to the taking away or deprivation.

Embezzled

Refers to the fraudulent appropriation of funds or property entrusted to one's care. It brings a specific legal context.

FAQs

How is "plundered" typically used in a sentence?

"Plundered" is often used to describe the forceful taking of goods or resources, typically in a violent or unjust manner. For example, "The invaders "plundered" the city's treasures".

What are some synonyms for "plundered"?

Alternatives to "plundered" include "looted", "ransacked", "despoiled", or "pillaged". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "plundered" in a business context?

Yes, it can be used metaphorically in a business context to describe the unfair or unethical exploitation of resources or assets. For example, "The company "plundered" its reserves for short-term gains".

What distinguishes "plundered" from "stolen"?

"Stolen" is a general term for theft, while "plundered" implies a more forceful, violent, and often large-scale taking of goods or resources. Plundering often occurs during war or conflict, suggesting a systematic and unjust act.