vacant audience

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "vacant audience" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an audience that appears disengaged, uninterested, or lacking in attention during a presentation or performance. Example: "The speaker struggled to connect with the vacant audience, who seemed more interested in their phones than the topic at hand."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Hated every simpering stupid vacant audience-insulting moment of it.

The Guardian - Film

Before the curtain goes up a young man and young woman, both in tuxedos, stare with sometimes vacant, sometimes glowering looks at the audience.

The New York Times - Arts

As Diane Ravitch recounted in her book, "The Great School Wars: A History of the New York City Public Schools," members of the audience immediately hopped into the vacant chairs to create what they called "the People's Board of Education".

The New York Times

So we said, 'Let's do it before her, very close to hers, and we'll have a captive audience.' " Mr. Lam rented a vacant furniture store two blocks from Ms. Von Furstenberg's studio on West 12th Street.

The New York Times - Style

Even as audiences queue up, an expectant grin on their vacant maws, I like to watch them through a crack in the dressing room door and think: I'll wipe that smile off your face.

The Guardian

The movie says the American viewing audience will swallow anything; we might as well be the vacant droolers who watched similar spoofy shows that could be glimpsed in the first "Robocop".

The New York Times

As it turned out, audiences were hungry for a good impressionist, a niche left vacant since the heyday of Rich Little.

The New York Times - Arts

In one such meeting, the council appointed a former mayor to fill a vacant council seat temporarily, something that Mr. O'Shea said upset several people in the audience.

The New York Times

Has a different audience in mind for new project in the U.K.: plans to turn London's long-vacant Millennium Dome into giant concert venue and casino.

Forbes

Vacant lots.

The New York Times

The mall was vacant.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing an audience's state, consider the specific nuance you want to convey. "Vacant audience" suggests a lack of mental engagement, while alternatives like "unresponsive audience" or "disengaged audience" might be more appropriate depending on the context.

Common error

Avoid using "vacant audience" in highly formal or professional settings. While grammatically correct, it can sometimes sound overly critical or informal. Opt for a more neutral phrase like "unresponsive audience" or "inattentive audience" in such cases.

Linguistic Context

Adjective-noun phrase. The primary grammatical function of "vacant audience" is to describe a noun (audience) with an adjective (vacant), indicating a quality or characteristic of the audience. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "vacant audience" describes an audience displaying a lack of engagement or attention. While grammatically correct, as Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is relatively rare and primarily found in news and media contexts. Alternatives such as "disengaged audience" or "unresponsive audience" may be preferable in more formal settings. When using "vacant audience", consider the specific nuance you wish to convey and the potential for negative connotations. The phrase indicates the audience is not actively participating or engaged.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

disengaged audience

Replaces "vacant" with a synonym emphasizing lack of engagement.

unresponsive audience

Focuses on the audience's lack of reaction or feedback.

inattentive audience

Highlights the audience's failure to pay attention.

passive audience

Emphasizes the audience's lack of active participation.

apathetic audience

Suggests the audience lacks interest or concern.

listless audience

Implies the audience is lacking energy and enthusiasm.

unenthusiastic audience

Directly states the audience's lack of enthusiasm.

detached audience

Indicates the audience is emotionally disconnected.

blank audience

Suggests the audience is expressionless and unreactive.

distracted audience

Highlights that the audience's attention is diverted elsewhere.

FAQs

What does "vacant audience" mean?

The phrase "vacant audience" refers to a group of people watching or listening to something who appear to be disengaged, uninterested, or lacking attention. Their expressions and reactions suggest a lack of mental presence or involvement.

How can I use "vacant audience" in a sentence?

You might say, "The speaker struggled to connect with the "vacant audience", who seemed more interested in their phones than the presentation."

What can I say instead of "vacant audience"?

You can use alternatives like "disengaged audience", "unresponsive audience", or "inattentive audience" depending on the context.

Is "vacant audience" a negative term?

Yes, "vacant audience" generally carries a negative connotation, implying that the audience is not actively participating or engaged with the performance or presentation. It suggests a lack of interest or connection.