utterly heartless

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "utterly heartless" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something that shows no compassion or empathy. Example: "His decision to abandon the puppy in the cold was utterly heartless."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

And Graeme Swann's utterly heartless fist-pump.

The Guardian - Sport

These stories are never less than enjoyable; most are also utterly heartless.

The New York Times - Books

And the scientists who design David, the robot-child at the heart of the film, are utterly heartless corporate executives.

The Economist

The broadcaster and former footballer Gary Lineker tweeted that the reception by some had been "hideously racist and utterly heartless".

The Guardian

The Sun and Daily Mail accused the migrants of lying about their age and Lineker wrote in apparent response: "The treatment by some towards these young refugees is hideously racist and utterly heartless.

The Guardian

Around the middle of October, he created something of a shit-storm, tweeting: "The treatment by some towards these young refugees is hideously racist and utterly heartless.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

"The doctor was absolutely heartless.

BBC

Meanwhile, something new had started: an utterly unpredictable development, as if in defiance of that heartless phrase in Section 28, "pretended family relationships".

The Guardian

And the woman on the receiving end, who typically should be utterly unprepared for the whole thing, has barely any time to make a rational decision without looking heartless in front of many people.

The Guardian

How heartless.

The New York Times

"So heartless.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "utterly heartless" to strongly condemn actions or attitudes that demonstrate a severe lack of empathy or compassion. This phrase adds emphasis and highlights the severity of the insensitivity.

Common error

Avoid using "utterly heartless" in contexts where the lack of empathy is only minor or unintentional. The strength of the phrase can be disproportionate and diminish its impact when used inappropriately.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "utterly heartless" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun to describe someone or something lacking compassion or empathy. As indicated by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and emphasizes the severity of the insensitivity.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "utterly heartless" is a grammatically correct adjectival phrase used to express a strong condemnation of actions or attitudes lacking compassion. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability in written English. The phrase is most commonly found in News & Media contexts. When using this phrase, be mindful of its strong connotation and ensure it aligns with the intended message. Alternatives such as "completely callous" or "totally unfeeling" can offer similar meanings with slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

completely callous

Emphasizes a hardened and insensitive attitude.

totally unfeeling

Highlights the absence of emotion or sympathy.

devoid of compassion

Focuses on the absence of compassionate feelings.

entirely merciless

Stresses the lack of mercy or forgiveness.

absolutely ruthless

Implies a cruel and determined lack of concern.

consummately cruel

Emphasizes the high degree of cruelty involved.

patently cold-blooded

Suggests a deliberate and unemotional cruelty.

utterly unsympathetic

Highlights a complete lack of understanding or concern for others' feelings.

completely indifferent

Emphasizes a lack of interest or concern.

stone-cold

An informal way to describe someone who's completely without feeling.

FAQs

How can I use "utterly heartless" in a sentence?

You can use "utterly heartless" to describe actions or individuals that lack compassion. For instance, "His decision to ignore the refugees was an "utterly heartless" act".

What are some alternatives to "utterly heartless"?

Alternatives include "completely callous", "totally unfeeling", or "devoid of compassion" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "utterly heartless" in formal writing?

Yes, "utterly heartless" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when you need to strongly convey a lack of compassion or empathy. However, consider the tone and audience to ensure it aligns with the overall message.

What distinguishes "utterly heartless" from simply "heartless"?

The word "utterly" intensifies the adjective "heartless", emphasizing the complete or absolute lack of compassion. It conveys a stronger sense of condemnation than simply using "heartless".