spatial disorientation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "spatial disorientation" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in contexts related to aviation, navigation, or situations where an individual loses their sense of direction or position in space. Example: "The pilot experienced spatial disorientation during the flight, making it difficult to maintain control of the aircraft."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

See also spatial disorientation.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Enwezor admits to a kind of intellectual vertigo and spatial disorientation.

The Guardian - Arts

Spatial disorientation in aircraft can arise from flight situations or visual misinterpretation.

Britannica

The only measures that can prevent spatial disorientation are thorough training and instrumentation.

Britannica

This type of flying is considered very dangerous, especially in low-light conditions and spatial disorientation, and airsickness could easily set in.

The Guardian

Spatial disorientation, the inability of a person to determine his true body position, motion, and altitude relative to the earth or his surroundings.

Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

Spatial disorientations originating from sensory ambiguities of this kind are often involved in severe aviation accidents [ 9].

BioMed Research International

After 12 months of well-being, quite abruptly, the patient relapsed showing again dementia (temporo-spatial disorientation, decreased attention, memory, logic, and apraxia), severe psychiatric symptoms, myalgias and worsened livedo reticularis, but no headache.

The Journal of Headache and Pain

Wandering is characterized by both temporal- and spatial-disorientation.

BMC Geriatrics

Spatial and geographical disorientation is common in chronic sufferers, according to Dr. Brian Fallon, a professor of clinical psychiatry at Columbia University and director of the Lyme disease research program at the New York State Psychiatric Institute in Manhattan.

The New York Times

The narrator riffs entertainingly about the spatial and emotional disorientation of his high, but underneath his likable banter the prose fairly ripples with his unspoken urge to hurt the woman and his fear of getting caught at it.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In medical contexts, use "spatial disorientation" to accurately describe a symptom or condition affecting a patient's ability to perceive their body's position and orientation.

Common error

Avoid using "spatial disorientation" interchangeably with general disorientation. "Spatial disorientation" specifically refers to a loss of the sense of direction and position, whereas general disorientation can include confusion about time, identity, or place. Be precise in your language.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "spatial disorientation" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is widely recognized and accepted, describing a specific condition or state. Examples from Ludwig show it being used to describe pilot experiences or symptoms of medical conditions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

38%

News & Media

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Wiki

9%

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "spatial disorientation" is a well-established noun phrase used to describe a loss of awareness of one's position and orientation. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase is grammatically sound and widely accepted. With several examples across diverse fields like aviation, medicine, and general discussions of cognitive function, it's essential to maintain precision when describing this specific type of disorientation. Common errors include using it interchangeably with general disorientation, so ensuring accuracy is key. The phrase appears most frequently in scientific, news, and academic sources, suggesting a formal to neutral register.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

loss of spatial awareness

Focuses on the lack of awareness rather than the disorientation itself.

disorientation in space

Emphasizes the spatial aspect of the disorientation.

lack of spatial orientation

Directly states the absence of proper spatial orientation.

loss of bearings

A more general term indicating a loss of directional sense.

getting lost

A simpler, more common way to describe the experience of being disoriented.

directional confusion

Highlights the confusion aspect related to direction.

sense of being lost

Focuses on the feeling of being lost or disoriented.

navigational impairment

Implies a difficulty or inability to navigate effectively.

positional unawareness

Highlights the lack of awareness of one's position.

cognitive mapping deficit

Relates the disorientation to a deficit in cognitive mapping abilities.

FAQs

How is "spatial disorientation" typically used in a sentence?

"Spatial disorientation" is commonly used to describe a state of confusion about one's position in space. For example, "The pilot experienced "spatial disorientation" during the flight" or "Spatial disorientation is a common symptom of certain vestibular disorders.

What are some synonyms for "spatial disorientation"?

Alternatives to "spatial disorientation" include "loss of spatial awareness", "disorientation in space", or simply "getting lost", depending on the context.

In what fields is the term "spatial disorientation" most often used?

The term "spatial disorientation" is frequently used in aviation, medicine (particularly neurology and otolaryngology), and in discussions related to cognitive impairments and navigation.

What causes "spatial disorientation"?

"Spatial disorientation" can be caused by factors such as sensory illusions, vestibular disorders, neurological conditions like Alzheimer's disease, and environmental conditions like poor visibility or zero gravity. Each cause affects the body's ability to accurately perceive its position and movement.