uncanniness

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "uncanniness" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a feeling of eeriness or strangeness, often in relation to something that is familiar yet unsettling. Example: "The uncanniness of the abandoned house made me hesitate before entering."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

39 human-written examples

Royle's Derridaean book has a suggestive chapter on cannibalism and the uncanny, although it is not a subject Freud treats in the book - "Nowhere in The Uncanny does Freud explicitly speak of the uncanniness of cannibalism".

The Guardian - Books

Nordström's titles have a similar uncanniness.

The Guardian - Arts

In their study, just published in Computers in Human Behavior, they say that Dr Mori's ideas of familiarity and comfort level do not properly get at the quality of uncanniness.

The Economist

The air of quiet uncanniness was served handsomely by the airy, faded photography and the production design, which presented us with a vision of a seductive technological near-future.

Independent

Part of the uncanniness of Kelley's work lies in a process of what you might call de-representation, making familiar things look unfamiliar, the representational feel abstract.

Independent

Come to think of it, any camera might function as an inanimate avatar of Friedrich — analogous to a brain being invaded wholly, exclusive of thought, by the uncanniness of the not-oneself.

The New Yorker

He studied under the tottering academic regime of Socialist Realism, which lingers in his work's frequent suggestions of foul utopias peopled by smooth-browed heroes, laced with Surrealist uncanniness, and given Pop éclat.

The New Yorker

There are remarkable evocations of the uncanniness, even the wonder, of fighting: "When the ringing of the first shots subsided, we heard bullets, sounds like small rips in the air, reports of rifles from somewhere we couldn't see.

The New Yorker

The greatest thing in it, though, is a detail whose uncanniness will strike any new parent: "The child's cry / Melts in the wall".

The New Yorker

GALLERIES — UPTOWN CATHERINE MURPHY Murphy's paintings of domestic subjects achieve a serene uncanniness.

The New Yorker

E-mail address GO SIGN UP Share Tweet GALLERIES — UPTOWN CATHERINE MURPHY Murphy's paintings of domestic subjects achieve a serene uncanniness.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "uncanniness" to precisely describe a feeling of something being strangely familiar yet disturbing. It's effective when discussing psychological concepts, art, or literature where this specific blend of familiarity and strangeness is relevant.

Common error

Avoid using "uncanniness" when you simply mean something is strange or unusual. "Uncanniness" implies a specific kind of unsettling familiarity, not just general oddness.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "uncanniness" is that of a noun. It represents a state or quality of being uncanny. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is used to describe a particular kind of unsettling familiarity.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "uncanniness" is a noun that describes the state or quality of being uncanny, evoking a sense of unsettling familiarity. As Ludwig AI highlights, it is grammatically correct and frequently used. Predominantly found in news and media, it effectively conveys unease in discussions of art, psychology, and literature. When using "uncanniness", ensure it accurately reflects the specific mix of familiarity and strangeness, distinguishing it from mere "strangeness" or "weirdness".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

uncanny feeling

It is a direct synonym, but this emphasizes the experience of the feeling, rather than the general state.

eerie quality

Focuses on the quality of being eerie, emphasizing a sense of mystery and foreboding. This alternative is less about the state of being and more about the characteristic itself.

strange atmosphere

Highlights the unusual or peculiar atmosphere, suggesting a deviation from the norm that induces a feeling of unease.

peculiar feeling

Emphasizes the odd or distinctive feeling, indicating a sense of something being out of place or unexpected.

weird sensation

Focuses on the bizarre or unusual sensation, implying a feeling that is beyond the ordinary or explainable.

spooky vibe

Highlights a spooky or frightening atmosphere or sensation, suggesting an unsettling or eerie mood. It is more informal.

disquieting nature

Stresses the disturbing or unsettling nature of something, indicating a cause for anxiety or concern.

unsettling feeling

Highlights the disturbance or unease one feels. It is focused more on the emotional impact.

odd aura

Highlights the strange or peculiar emanation surrounding something, indicating an unusual presence or quality.

surreal quality

Highlights the dreamlike or bizarre characteristic, suggesting a disconnect from reality and a sense of the unreal.

FAQs

How can "uncanniness" be used in a sentence?

You can use "uncanniness" to describe a feeling of something being strangely familiar yet disturbing, such as: "The "uncanny valley" effect is an example of this", or "There was a sense of "uncanniness" about the abandoned house".

What words are similar to "uncanniness"?

Similar words include "eeriness", "strangeness", "weirdness", and "spookiness", each carrying slightly different nuances of the unsettling or unusual.

Is it correct to use "uncanniness" in formal writing?

Yes, "uncanniness" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when discussing psychological concepts, art criticism, or literary analysis where the specific nuance of something being strangely familiar is relevant.

What's the difference between "uncanniness" and "strangeness"?

"Strangeness" generally refers to something that is simply unusual or unfamiliar. "Uncanniness", however, describes a specific kind of unsettling feeling that arises from something being simultaneously familiar and foreign, creating a sense of unease or disquiet.