unhallowed

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of the phrase "unhallowed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is not sacred or is considered unholy, often in a literary or poetic context. Example: "The unhallowed ground was said to be cursed, haunted by the spirits of those who had perished there."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

The lesson: no direction is unhallowed, because God is everywhere.

The New York Times - Arts

The sentence was carried out by the spectral hordes of the Six Heavens (liutian), a posthumous dwelling place of all unhallowed mortals.

Encyclopedia Britannica

If I possess any talent, it is of darkening the gloomy, and deepening the sad; of painting life in extremes, and representing those struggles of passions when the soul trembles on the verge of the unlawful and the unhallowed.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In the preface to The Milesian Chief (1812), Maturin acknowledged that If I possess any talent, it is of darkening the gloomy, and deepening the sad; of painting life in extremes, and representing those struggles of passions when the soul trembles on the verge of the unlawful and the unhallowed.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Whereas Rampersad maintained a strictly reverent tone in his books on Hughes and Jackie Robinson, in his confrontations with this thorny and complex character he has taken on a new approach: an unhallowed view of his subject.

The New Yorker

In the interests of assaying the plausibility of this lifestyle, I took the tube six stops from my house in Stockwell, south London, strolled across Leicester Square and entered the unhallowed portals of the newish W Hotel. True, a W hotel isn't exactly the sort of joint you'd expect a local to hang out in.

The New York Times

Having said that, I'm not here to convert anyone to the unhallowed ways of us fantasy lovers, or call for an apology.

The Guardian

In fact, if these recommendations are revived, following Jones v Kernott, let's hope the Evangelicals can find it in their hearts to include in their Alliance unhallowed supporters of romantic freedom.

The Guardian - Opinion

Haqqani's detailed, critical account of this unhallowed relationship in his book, Pakistan: Between Mosque and Military (published in 2005 during the rule of General Pervez Musharraf) left him a marked man at home.

The Guardian - Opinion

This moved Byron to start fleshing out the stories of blood-sucking he'd heard in the Balkans (which Polidori later turned into a novel called The Vampyre, decades before Bram Stoker) and led Mary to have a waking dream in which she later said: "I saw the pale student of unhallowed arts kneeling beside the thing he had put together.

The Guardian - Books

One can't regret people warming to Simon but even as we pulled into south London – to see the unhallowed burial place of thousands of prostitutes and illegitimate babies (I don't know why) – I felt the radiation of his niceness starting to fry my brain.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "unhallowed", consider the specific nuance you wish to convey: whether it's a lack of sanctity, a violation of something sacred, or simply something not blessed. Choose synonyms carefully to match your intended meaning.

Common error

Avoid using "unhallowed" when you simply mean 'unconventional' or 'unusual'. The word carries a strong religious or spiritual overtone and is not appropriate for secular contexts where something is merely different.

Linguistic Context

The adjective "unhallowed" primarily functions as a modifier, describing nouns that lack sanctity or are considered unholy. Ludwig indicates that it's grammatically sound and used in diverse contexts. Examples include "unhallowed ground" and "unhallowed arts", showcasing its descriptive power.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Encyclopedias

21%

Science

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "unhallowed" is a grammatically correct adjective used to describe something that is not holy or blessed. As confirmed by Ludwig, it frequently appears in reputable sources like The New York Times and The Guardian, primarily within the context of news, media, and encyclopedias. While synonyms such as "desecrated" and "profane" exist, "unhallowed" carries its own specific connotation, making it well-suited for formal and literary writing. A key consideration when employing the adjective is to avoid using it when a simple 'unconventional' term would suffice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

desecrated

Emphasizes the act of violating or disrespecting something sacred, implying a deliberate action.

profane

Highlights the irreverent or blasphemous nature of something, often in a religious context.

unsanctified

Directly negates the state of being sanctified, indicating a lack of divine blessing or consecration.

unconsecrated

Specifically refers to something not formally dedicated to a sacred purpose.

impious

Describes a lack of reverence or respect for religious figures or beliefs.

sacrilegious

Suggests a violation of something held sacred, often through mockery or disrespect.

irreligious

Indicates a general lack of religious belief or adherence to religious practices.

wicked

Broadly describes moral depravity or evil, which can extend to a lack of holiness.

heathen

Refers to someone who does not believe in the prevailing religion, often used in a derogatory sense.

unchristian

Describes something not in accordance with Christian principles or values.

FAQs

How can I use "unhallowed" in a sentence?

You can use "unhallowed" to describe places, objects, or actions that are not considered holy or blessed. For example, "The murderer was buried in "unhallowed ground"." It can also describe more abstract concepts like "unhallowed arts".

What is the difference between "unhallowed" and "desecrated"?

"Unhallowed" describes something that was never made holy or has lost its sacred nature, while "desecrated" describes something that was once holy but has been violated or treated with disrespect.

What are some synonyms for "unhallowed"?

Some synonyms for "unhallowed" include "profane", "unsanctified", and "unconsecrated". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "unhallowed" in modern writing?

Yes, "unhallowed" is appropriate in modern writing, particularly when aiming for a formal, literary, or evocative tone. It's frequently used to describe places or concepts that lack sacredness or have been defiled, as demonstrated by its usage in sources like The New York Times and The Guardian.