state of denial

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "state of denial" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to refer to a person who is refusing to accept the truth of a situation, reality or facts, and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. Example sentence: After the verdict was read, the defendant remained in a state of denial, refusing to accept the truth of the situation.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The state of denial.

The New York Times

I was in a state of denial.

The New York Times - Health

Are Europeans in a state of denial?

The New York Times

G.M., in particular, wallowed in an irresponsible state of denial.

The New York Times

Levein has retreated into a state of denial.

Independent

Mr. Mozilo's state of denial is pretty breathtaking.

The New York Times

She has a substantial lead in the state of denial.

The New York Times

We don't want to be in a state of denial.

The New York Times

Muslims everywhere are in a deep state of denial.

The Guardian

But "State of Denial" deviates from this model.

The New York Times - Books

European policy makers are "still in a state of denial," he said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "state of denial" to describe situations where someone is actively or passively refusing to acknowledge an obvious truth or reality. Ensure the context clearly supports this interpretation to avoid miscommunication.

Common error

Avoid using "state of denial" to simply mean disagreement or lack of understanding. It specifically implies a deeper psychological resistance to accepting a reality, rather than a mere difference of opinion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "state of denial" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as a subject complement or object. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. It describes a psychological condition where an individual refuses to acknowledge reality.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

94%

Formal & Business

3%

Science

1%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "state of denial" is a widely used and grammatically correct term, as confirmed by Ludwig AI, that describes a psychological condition where someone refuses to acknowledge reality. Predominantly found in News & Media, it serves to highlight a disconnect between perception and objective truth. While generally neutral in register, it often carries a slightly negative connotation when used to critique behavior. To avoid miscommunication, ensure the context clearly supports the interpretation of active or passive refusal to acknowledge an obvious truth, rather than a simple disagreement or lack of understanding. Alternatives like "refusal to acknowledge" or "unwillingness to accept" can provide nuanced variations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

refusal to acknowledge

Focuses on the active resistance to accepting something.

self-deception

Highlights the act of deceiving oneself, often to avoid unpleasant truths.

unwillingness to accept

Highlights the lack of desire to embrace a truth or reality.

ignoring the facts

Focuses on the act of disregarding evidence or information.

turning a blind eye

Implies a deliberate choice not to see something undesirable.

inability to face reality

Emphasizes a lack of capacity, rather than a conscious choice.

burying one's head in the sand

An idiomatic expression depicting avoidance of problems or dangers.

delusional thinking

Suggests a deeper level of detachment from reality, implying fixed false beliefs.

false sense of security

Suggests a mistaken belief that one is safe or protected when they are not.

living a lie

Implies a conscious choice to maintain a false narrative.

FAQs

How can I use "state of denial" in a sentence?

You can use "state of denial" to describe an individual or group's refusal to acknowledge an unpleasant truth. For example, "The company was in a "state of denial" about its declining sales".

What's a more formal way to say "state of denial"?

While "state of denial" is widely accepted, a more formal alternative could be "refusal to acknowledge reality" or "unwillingness to accept the facts".

Is it appropriate to use "state of denial" in professional writing?

Yes, "state of denial" is suitable for professional writing, especially when discussing psychological or behavioral aspects of a situation. However, ensure that the context warrants such a strong term.

What's the difference between "state of denial" and "ignorance"?

"State of denial" implies an active resistance to accepting truth, while "ignorance" simply means a lack of awareness. Someone in a "state of denial" is often aware of the truth but chooses to reject it, while someone who is ignorant may simply be uninformed.