utter disbelief

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'utter disbelief' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe when someone is shocked and has difficulty believing something. Example: Upon hearing the news that his friend had moved across the country, John felt utter disbelief.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

I was in utter disbelief.

Independent

A common response is utter disbelief.

The New York Times

"I was in utter disbelief," she recalls.

The New York Times

"My feelings were of utter disbelief".

The Guardian

I cannot overcome the utter disbelief.

The Guardian

I was sitting there watching it in utter disbelief".

The New York Times - Sports

"Like everybody else, I'm in complete and utter disbelief".

The New York Times - Sports

"In the end, I was in utter disbelief," Mr. Cox said.

The New York Times

My friend shrugged his shoulders in utter disbelief and wondered if it could happen in a legislature.

The New York Times

Every meeting starts with people speaking of their utter disbelief at what has been revealed.

The Guardian - Sport

"There are moments," says Abrams, "of utter disbelief that I get to do any of this".

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "utter disbelief", consider preceding it with a verb that intensifies the emotion, such as "gaped in utter disbelief" or "stared in utter disbelief", to enhance the impact.

Common error

Avoid using "utter disbelief" for minor surprises or disappointments. Reserve it for truly shocking or unbelievable events to maintain its impact and avoid exaggeration.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "utter disbelief" functions as a noun phrase that typically acts as the object of a preposition (e.g., "in utter disbelief") or as a complement describing someone's state. Ludwig provides ample examples demonstrating its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "utter disbelief" is a commonly used phrase to express a strong feeling of shock and incredulity. Ludwig's AI confirms it is grammatically correct and usable in written English. Primarily found in news and media contexts, the phrase is suitable for neutral registers. While synonyms like "complete incredulity" or "sheer astonishment" exist, "utter disbelief" provides a specific emphasis on the inability to believe something. It's important to reserve this phrase for truly shocking situations to maintain its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

complete incredulity

Emphasizes a total lack of belief, similar to "utter disbelief".

incredulous

Characterizes a state of skepticism and unwillingness to believe.

beyond belief

Indicates something so extraordinary that it's difficult to accept as true.

unbelievable

A straightforward expression of the inability to believe something.

dumbfounded

Describes being speechless with disbelief and surprise.

sheer astonishment

Focuses on the surprise aspect more than the disbelief.

staggering

Highlights the overwhelming nature of something that causes disbelief.

mind-boggling

Implies something so surprising or complex that it overwhelms the mind.

absolute amazement

Highlights the wonder and surprise, lessening the disbelief aspect.

total shock

Focuses on the initial emotional impact of something unbelievable.

FAQs

How can I use "utter disbelief" in a sentence?

You can use "utter disbelief" to describe a state of extreme shock and incredulity. For example: "She stared at the test results in "utter disbelief"."

What are some alternatives to "utter disbelief"?

Alternatives include "complete incredulity", "sheer astonishment", or "total shock", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to use "utter disbelief" or "total disbelief"?

Both "utter disbelief" and "total disbelief" are acceptable, but "utter" often implies a slightly stronger sense of incredulity and astonishment than "total".

What's the difference between feeling "utter disbelief" and feeling "skepticism"?

"Utter disbelief" implies a strong sense of shock and incredulity, while "skepticism" suggests a more measured doubt and questioning attitude. "Utter disbelief" is a stronger, more immediate reaction.