utterly senseless

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "utterly senseless" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is completely lacking in meaning or reason. Example: "The decision to cancel the event at the last minute was utterly senseless to everyone involved."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

Blu-ray & DVD, Warner Lamberto Bava's energetic and utterly senseless flicks, an almost constant parade of gory, messed up imagery.

The Guardian - Film

And yet he had spent six weeks as a political prisoner, an experience that seemed utterly senseless.

The New Yorker

The party also backs a commission to examine current drugs legislation, which the Lib Dem leader has denounced as "utterly senseless".

Independent

She even thought about her own life for a while – its days full of pointing and clicking and searching, its evenings often replete with utterly senseless web searches.

The Guardian - Books

The idea that the financial hole can be filled by simply passing a law to demand that Congress make it so is utterly senseless -- but it will be useful as a platitude for the coming campaign trail.

The New York Times

Judge Kaye spoke pointedly of the "utterly senseless" divisions between courts that can result, for example, in a couple's getting a decision about their divorce in Supreme Court and an inconsistent order on another aspect of their dispute from Family Court or Criminal Court.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

The misbegotten -- indeed, utterly senseless--idea that God is male is the casus belli of the War on Women -- what provides the putative justification for the subordination and mistreatment of women.

Huffington Post

On Saturday, British Prime Minister David Cameron condemned the terror group in a broadcast message, saying, "we will use all the assets we have...to defeat this organization which is utterly ruthless, senseless and barbaric in the way it treats people".

Vice

"We will use all the assets we have... to defeat this organization, which is utterly ruthless, senseless and barbaric in the way it treats people," Cameron said in a televised statement after meeting the heads of Britain's armed forces and intelligence agencies.

Huffington Post

"Utterly or obviously senseless, contrary to all reason," said another.

Huffington Post

"We are all utterly distraught following her senseless, brutal murder".

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "utterly senseless", ensure the context clearly establishes what is being deemed senseless. Provide sufficient information for the reader to understand why the subject is considered devoid of reason or purpose.

Common error

Avoid using "utterly senseless" excessively in highly emotional situations where a more nuanced or sensitive description might be more appropriate. Overusing the phrase can diminish its impact and sound insensitive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "utterly senseless" primarily functions as an adjective phrase that modifies a noun, describing it as completely lacking in reason or meaning. Ludwig examples show it used to describe acts, tragedies, and ideas deemed irrational.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "utterly senseless" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe something that lacks reason or meaning. According to Ludwig, it is used to express disapproval or condemnation, highlighting the absurdity or futility of a subject. Predominantly found in News & Media sources, its register is neutral, making it suitable for both formal and informal contexts. When writing, be mindful of overuse in emotionally charged situations and ensure that the context clearly establishes why something is being described as senseless. Alternatives include "completely pointless" or "totally absurd". Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

completely pointless

Emphasizes the lack of any valuable outcome or purpose.

totally absurd

Highlights the irrational and illogical nature of something.

entirely meaningless

Focuses on the absence of significance or importance.

patently illogical

Stresses the obvious lack of logical reasoning.

absolutely irrational

Underscores the lack of reason or rationality.

devoid of reason

Highlights the absence of any logical basis.

quite preposterous

Implies that something is ridiculous and laughable.

thoroughly unreasonable

Emphasizes the lack of fairness or justification.

manifestly foolish

Stresses the obvious lack of wisdom or good judgment.

pure lunacy

Suggests a state of extreme foolishness or madness.

FAQs

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

You can use "utterly senseless" to describe actions, decisions, or events that lack any logical reasoning or purpose. For example: "The violence was an "utterly senseless" act." or "It was an "utterly senseless" waste of time".

What are some alternatives to "utterly senseless"?

Alternatives to "utterly senseless" include "completely pointless", "totally absurd", or "entirely meaningless". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

Yes, "utterly senseless" can be used in formal writing, but it's essential to consider the tone and audience. While the phrase is grammatically correct, alternatives might be preferred in highly formal or academic contexts if a more objective tone is desired.

What is the difference between "utterly senseless" and "totally senseless"?

"Utterly senseless" and "totally senseless" are very similar in meaning and can often be used interchangeably. The choice between them often comes down to personal preference or stylistic considerations. "Utterly" might be perceived as slightly more formal.