unfocused gaze

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "unfocused gaze" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone's eyes or expression when they are not concentrating or are lost in thought. Example: "As she sat in the café, her unfocused gaze drifted out the window, lost in memories of the past."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

An unfocused gaze, death-rattle groan and unquenchable thirst for blood would seem to be the key qualities.

The Guardian

While there are just enough signposts to keep "Falling Man" tethered to a recognizable reality, it's an askew, alternative-reality variation on the literal, as if we, too, were taking it in through Keith's unfocused gaze.

The New York Times - Books

Perry is the docile pet platypus of the blended Flynn-Fletcher family, who adopted him because his unfocused gaze made it seem like he was looking at both Phineas and Ferb at the same time, as shown in the 2011 movie, Phineas and Ferb the Movie: Across the 2nd Dimension.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

The formal portraits, among them "Pig Pen (Tattoos)" and "J D," evoke paintings by Hans Holbein, primarily because of their walls of color, but also because the subjects are shown in three-quarters view, with unfocused gazes.

The New York Times - Arts

Eyes - neither fully opened nor fully closed, lowered to 45° angle; unfocused, "gazing" at the direction on the floor 3-4 feet (about 1 metre) in front.

WikiHow

When he pitched what became his film debut, "How to Survive a Plague," the story of early AIDS activism, "I got that unfocused Orlando gaze that told me he was paying more attention to what was going on inside his head than anything I was saying".

The New York Times

Let the light trickle back into the gaze, unfocused, soft.

Huffington Post

She looks out, but her gaze in unfocused, absorbed in reverie.

Independent

He emerged at noon from his hotel room, walked slowly down three flights of stairs and then out a back entrance and into a waiting S.U.V. His gaze seemed unfocused, but when hotel staff members called him "President," he summoned a brief smile and waved.

The New York Times

He would arrive with a torn ACL, a dopey gaze of unfocused hallucinations, and if pro-eating refs could throw in the bib before the contest, ETR might have been counted out.

Huffington Post

And so Keith does return to the inferno, his gaze no longer unfocused.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "unfocused gaze" to subtly convey a character's internal state, such as confusion, daydreaming, or disconnection from their surroundings.

Common error

Overusing "unfocused gaze" in action-oriented scenes can slow down the pacing. Opt for more dynamic descriptions of movement and reactions to maintain the reader's engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unfocused gaze" functions as a noun phrase, where "unfocused" is an adjective modifying the noun "gaze". It describes a specific quality or characteristic of someone's look. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is usable in English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Wiki

33%

Science

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "unfocused gaze" is a grammatically correct and usable expression in English, as validated by Ludwig AI. It functions as an adjective-noun phrase, typically employed to describe a lack of visual or mental focus, implying distraction or detachment. While its frequency is currently categorized as rare, it appears across various contexts, particularly in news and media sources. Related phrases include "vacant stare" and "absent gaze", offering nuanced alternatives for descriptive writing. When writing, consider the pacing of your scenes, especially action sequences, to avoid overusing the phrase. In conclusion, although rare, the expression is valid.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

vacant stare

Replaces "unfocused gaze" with a more direct description of the look, suggesting a lack of awareness or thought.

absent gaze

Indicates that the gaze is not present or engaged in the immediate surroundings.

blank stare

Similar to "vacant stare", emphasizing the lack of expression or comprehension.

distracted gaze

Suggests that the person's attention is diverted elsewhere.

wandering gaze

Implies that the eyes are moving aimlessly, without a fixed point of focus.

glazed look

Describes a shiny, unfocused appearance in the eyes, often associated with tiredness or boredom.

faraway look

Indicates that the person is lost in thought or daydreaming.

dreamy expression

Replaces the physical aspect of "gaze" with a more general term for a contemplative or imaginative state.

unseeing eyes

Focuses on the lack of perception or awareness in the eyes.

lost in thought

Shifts the focus from the eyes to the mental state causing the lack of focus.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "unfocused gaze" in a sentence?

The phrase "unfocused gaze" is used to describe a lack of visual focus or a dreamy, detached expression. For instance, "Her "unfocused gaze" suggested she was lost in thought", or "The patient had an "unfocused gaze" due to the medication".

What are some alternative ways to describe an "unfocused gaze"?

You can use alternatives like "vacant stare", "absent gaze", or "distant look depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What does it mean when someone has an "unfocused gaze"?

An "unfocused gaze" typically suggests a lack of attention, concentration, or engagement with the immediate environment. It can indicate daydreaming, confusion, illness, or a general sense of detachment.

Is it appropriate to use "unfocused gaze" in formal writing?

Yes, "unfocused gaze" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when describing a character's state or a clinical observation. However, ensure that it fits the tone and context of your writing. In some cases, a more precise term might be preferable.