senseless killing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "senseless killing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a murder or act of violence that appears to have no justification or reason behind it. Example: "The community was in shock after the senseless killing that took place last night, leaving many questioning the safety of their neighborhood."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The film's fictional depiction of Chicago gives audiences an unrestricted glimpse into the trauma of an isolated area haunted by poverty, unemployment, gang violence and senseless killing.

Huffington Post

The family of Missouri teenager Michael Brown whose death did not result in an indictment for the police officer who shot him, causing widespread protests also issued a statement condemning the "senseless" killing.

Vice

For his brutal and senseless killing not only brings to an end the boundless possibilities of his life, but also senselessly limits the possibilities for those who killed him.

The New York Times

Would this end all senseless killing?

The New York Times

See: internet response to any senseless killing.

The Guardian - Opinion

"There must be an end to senseless killing.

The New York Times

The level of atrocities and the lack of humanity, the senseless killing defies imagination," she added.

Independent

It is impossible, in this season of senseless killing, not to grow weary.

The Guardian - Opinion

Cameron said: "The senseless killing of Stephen Lawrence in 1993 was a tragedy.

The Guardian

Forget zombie carnage, this is a show most concerned with the senseless killing of your time.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

So why don't they care about the senseless killing of badgers, a protected species in the UK?

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "senseless killing", ensure the context clearly indicates the lack of rational motive or justification for the act. This helps to convey the tragedy and incomprehensibility of the event.

Common error

Avoid using "senseless killing" excessively in highly emotional or sensationalized reporting, as it can sometimes diminish the gravity of the event by reducing it to a mere label. Instead, provide specific details that illustrate the lack of reason or motive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "senseless killing" functions primarily as a noun phrase that describes a specific type of action. It combines an adjective ("senseless") with a noun ("killing") to denote a violent act perceived as lacking logical reason or justification. As Ludwig AI highlights, it's commonly used to describe situations where the motivation behind a killing is absent or unclear.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "senseless killing" is a frequently used and grammatically correct term that describes an act of violence lacking apparent reason or justification. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely used across various contexts, primarily within news and media reporting. The phrase functions as a noun phrase, combining an adjective and a noun to convey condemnation and shock. While typically neutral in register, it carries strong emotional connotations. Alternative phrases, such as "pointless killing" or "unjustified homicide", can be used to express similar meanings, with subtle differences in emphasis. To use the phrase effectively, writers should ensure the context clearly highlights the absence of rational motive. Overuse in emotionally charged situations should be avoided to maintain impact and credibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

senseless act of violence

Alternative wording of the original phrase with a slightly different structure.

pointless killing

Emphasizes the lack of purpose or reason behind the act.

futile killing

Highlights the ineffectiveness and lack of positive outcome from the act.

meaningless killing

Focuses on the absence of significance or value in the act.

unjustified killing

Stresses the lack of legitimate reason or excuse for the act.

gratuitous killing

Indicates the act was uncalled for and excessive.

wanton killing

Suggests the act was reckless and without regard for the consequences.

needless killing

Emphasizes the act was unnecessary and avoidable.

unprovoked killing

Highlights the absence of any instigation or cause for the act.

random act of violence

Focuses on the unpredictable and arbitrary nature of the act.

FAQs

How can I use "senseless killing" in a sentence?

"Senseless killing" is typically used to describe a murder or act of violence that appears to have no justification or reason behind it. For example, "The community was in shock after the senseless killing that took place last night, leaving many questioning the safety of their neighborhood."

What's a more formal alternative to "senseless killing"?

While "senseless killing" is widely understood, more formal alternatives include "unjustified homicide", "gratuitous violence", or "unwarranted lethality", depending on the specific context.

Are there synonyms for "senseless killing" that emphasize the victim's innocence?

Yes, you could use phrases such as "unprovoked attack", "random victim of violence", or "innocent bystander killed", which emphasize the lack of connection between the victim and the violence.

Is "senseless killing" an objective term, or does it carry subjective connotations?

"Senseless killing" inherently carries subjective connotations because it implies a judgment about the lack of reason or justification. While it aims to describe an objective reality, the perception of "senselessness" can vary depending on individual beliefs and perspectives.