victim

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "victim" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to someone who has been harmed, made to suffer, or killed as a result of a crime, accident, or other event. For example: "The police were able to identify the victims in the car accident quickly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The Alliance MP's call comes as a victim of abuse at Kincora speaks out on Tuesday night's Channel 4 News alleging that he was taken from the east Belfast home to London where he was molested by members of a VIP paedophile ring.

The Guardian

He was also required to pay a £52 victim surcharge.

The Guardian - Music

It is usually denied by the perpetrator and his victim.

The Guardian

"I fear he will say: 'Now, my brother is not a man.'" It is for this reason that both perpetrator and victim enter a conspiracy of silence and why male survivors often find, once their story is discovered, that they lose the support and comfort of those around them.

The Guardian

Murphy, who died in 2011, was a victim of a "never event" – errors so called because they should never happen.

The Guardian

The first victim of the rogue batch of drugs is thought to be a Lithuanian factory worker, Eustace Ropas, 22, who died on Christmas Eve at his home, also in Ipswich.

The Guardian

Russia was already a victim of corruption dating back to the communist regime and beyond.

The Guardian - Business

90s remakes We hope The Craft, the latest victim of this trend, is worthy of the original.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It is well known that human trafficking and slavery flourish in countries where victim protection and victims rights are weak".

The Guardian

"If they think there has been a war here, they are wrong," said Rúben Múgica, the son of an Eta victim.

The Guardian

Hotel and flight deals can cost more than £3,000, and every year hundreds fall victim to a variety of scams: paying for a five-star hotel near the Masjid al-Haram (the mosque that is a focal point of the event), but getting a tiny room far from the centre of Mecca; visas and flight tickets not arriving; and in extreme cases agents disappearing with their money.

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about individuals who have experienced trauma, prioritize respectful and sensitive language. Emphasize their agency and resilience where appropriate, avoiding language that further victimizes them.

Common error

Avoid portraying someone solely as a "victim" without acknowledging other aspects of their identity or their capacity for action. This can reinforce stereotypes and diminish their agency.

Linguistic Context

The noun "victim" functions primarily to identify an individual who has suffered harm, injury, or loss as a result of an event, action, or circumstance. This aligns with Ludwig AI's assessment that the word is grammatically sound and usable. Examples from Ludwig demonstrate this usage in various news and media contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "victim" is a grammatically correct and commonly used noun to describe someone who has suffered harm, injury, or loss. According to Ludwig AI, its usability is confirmed by numerous real-world examples. While its frequency is very common, particularly in contexts such as news and media, it's essential to consider the connotations and potential impact of the word. Alternatives like "survivor" or "affected individual" may be more appropriate depending on the context and desired emphasis. When using the term, it's crucial to prioritize respectful and sensitive language, ensuring the individual's agency and resilience are acknowledged.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

injured party

Focuses on the physical or emotional harm experienced.

sufferer

Emphasizes the enduring experience of pain or distress.

casualty

Highlights the unfortunate result of an event, often implying death or injury.

affected individual

A more formal way of describing someone who has been impacted.

prey

Suggests vulnerability and being targeted, often in a predatory context.

target

Implies intentionality and being deliberately chosen for harm.

survivor

Highlights resilience and overcoming a negative experience.

the deceased

Specifically refers to someone who has died.

grievant

Someone who has grounds for a complaint.

claimant

Highlights the act of making a claim for compensation or justice.

FAQs

How can I use the word "victim" in a sentence?

The word "victim" can be used to describe someone who has been harmed or injured. For example: "The police are trying to identify the "victim" of the crime."

What are some alternatives to using the word "victim"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "survivor", "injured party", or "affected individual".

Is it appropriate to use the term "victim" in all situations?

While generally acceptable, consider the specific context and the individual's preferences. Sometimes, terms like "survivor" may be more empowering.

What's the difference between "victim" and "survivor"?

"Victim" emphasizes the harm suffered, while "survivor" highlights resilience and overcoming adversity. The choice depends on the focus you want to convey.