truly unhinged

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "truly unhinged" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something that is wildly irrational or out of control, often in a dramatic or exaggerated manner. Example: "His behavior during the meeting was truly unhinged, leaving everyone in shock."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

"She's truly unhinged.

The New Yorker

At a party, launching into a tirade about religion and the future of Russia, he accidentally breaks a beautiful Chinese vase, proof to the onlookers that he is truly unhinged.

The Guardian - Books

Or like Andrew McCarthy, who in a truly unhinged column compares "Hispanic activists" to Islamists in that both "are the vanguard of a different culture that they passionately believe is superior to the culture of individual liberty".

The Economist

But it was no KO for Mrs Clinton, and all Mr Obama needed to do tonight was refrain from sounding truly unhinged, anyway.9 53 : Damn Mr Purple, you must be clinging hard to guns and religion.9 52 : This one feels like a clear win for Mrs Clinton, though with an assist from the moderators.9 51 : Again: how is it remotely true that she's spent a lifetime "empowering people"?

The Economist

"We are talking about someone who is truly, truly unhinged," Cohen said.

Huffington Post

The ad copy on this one also gets truly unhinged, beginning with: "Do you love a good double entendre?

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

But she'd come unhinged.

The New York Times

B) Not unhinged.

The New York Times

It unhinged Williams, and it unhinged Kushner.

The New Yorker

I am not unhinged.

Independent

The separation unhinged her.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "truly unhinged" to describe characters or situations in fiction to create a vivid and unsettling image of mental instability. For example: "The villain's speech was truly unhinged, filled with rambling threats and nonsensical claims."

Common error

Avoid using "truly unhinged" in professional or academic writing where a more clinical or neutral term would be appropriate. For instance, instead of saying "The CEO's strategy was truly unhinged", consider "The CEO's strategy was highly unconventional and risky."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "truly unhinged" primarily functions as a descriptive adjective phrase, modifying a noun to indicate a state of extreme mental or emotional instability. Ludwig AI confirms this usage, showcasing examples where it describes individuals or situations exhibiting erratic behavior.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "truly unhinged" serves as a descriptive adjective phrase used to emphasize a significant deviation from rational behavior. Ludwig AI identifies it as grammatically correct with common usage in "News & Media". While effective in conveying a state of extreme instability, its use should be carefully considered in formal contexts where more neutral terms might be preferred. Related alternatives include phrases like "completely deranged" and "utterly insane", each with slightly different connotations. Be mindful of the context to ensure the chosen phrase aligns with the intended tone and register.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

completely deranged

Emphasizes a severe state of mental impairment; stronger connotation than "truly unhinged".

utterly insane

Highlights a complete lack of sanity; similar intensity to "truly unhinged".

genuinely mad

Focuses on authentic madness; slightly less intense than "truly unhinged".

totally unstable

Indicates a lack of emotional or mental stability; broader application than "truly unhinged".

seriously disturbed

Implies a profound mental or emotional disruption; more clinical than "truly unhinged".

quite erratic

Highlights unpredictable behavior; less severe than "truly unhinged".

completely irrational

Focuses on a lack of logical thought; narrower focus than "truly unhinged".

absolutely wild

Emphasizes uncontrolled behavior; more informal than "truly unhinged".

thoroughly unbalanced

Suggests a lack of mental equilibrium; similar formality to "truly unhinged".

downright crazy

A more colloquial expression for extreme irrationality; less formal than "truly unhinged".

FAQs

How can I use "truly unhinged" in a sentence?

You can use "truly unhinged" to describe someone's behavior or actions, such as: "His behavior during the trial was "truly unhinged", marked by outbursts and illogical arguments."

What are some alternatives to "truly unhinged"?

Alternatives include "completely deranged", "utterly insane", or "totally unstable", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "truly unhinged" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "truly unhinged" is often more suitable for informal or creative contexts. In formal writing, consider using more neutral or clinical terms like "mentally unstable" or "highly erratic".

What does "truly unhinged" imply about a person's state?

"Truly unhinged" suggests that a person is experiencing a significant departure from rational thought and behavior, often to a degree that is alarming or disruptive. It implies a loss of control and potential danger to themselves or others.