voicelessness

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "voicelessness" is usable in written English and is well written.
It can be used to describe a state of lacking a voice or the ability to express oneself, often in a social or political context. Example: "The voicelessness of marginalized communities must be addressed in our discussions about equality." Alternatives include "silence" or "powerlessness."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

She was dealing with ever-worsening arthritis and a generalised feeling of invisibility and voicelessness.

The Guardian - Arts

Sermons from the governor The jilted exchange The Washington dissensus Raising the standard Havens and haven'ts Shotgun courtship ReprintsUnder Mr Kanbur's direction the 2000 report argues that poverty also includes "voicelessness", vulnerability and powerlessness.

The Economist

Poverty is now described as a "multidimensional" problem that includes powerlessness, voicelessness, vulnerability and fear as well as mere lack of food, shelter and other economic necessities.

The Economist

When there is a period of voicelessness during the release of an articulation, the sound is said to be aspirated.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"Shubha," for instance, is the story of a mute girl whose handicap is a quite explicit metaphor for the voicelessness of Indian women.

The New Yorker

The heroine's voicelessness until the final chapter seems a strange choice in a story that's referred to as a "feminist folk tale".

The New York Times

Such charity, benevolent as it was, failed to provide real solutions to the underlying problems of joblessness, powerlessness and voicelessness.

The New York Times

Labour lost Scotland over the last decade, thanks partly to the very same mess of inequality, voicelessness, professionalised politics and dysfunctional economics that is now tearing England and Wales in two (or even three, or four).

The Guardian - Opinion

I like the voicelessness and quasi-repetition.

The Guardian - Books

By setting both productions in a female prison, Phyllida Lloyd makes a wider connection with female voicelessness in the world.

The Guardian

The work was impelled, says Goode, by a sense of children's voicelessness in our culture.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing social issues, use "voicelessness" to emphasize the systemic lack of opportunity for certain groups to express their concerns and perspectives.

Common error

While "voicelessness" is appropriate in formal and analytical writing, avoid using it in casual conversation where simpler terms like "silence" or "inability to speak" might be more suitable.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "voicelessness" is as a noun. It refers to the state or condition of lacking a voice or the ability to express oneself. As Ludwig suggests, it describes a situation where individuals or groups are unable to make their opinions or needs known.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Encyclopedias

8%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "voicelessness" functions as a noun that denotes the condition of lacking a voice or the ability to express oneself. As confirmed by Ludwig, the term is grammatically correct and is often used to describe social or political issues related to a lack of representation or power. It is most frequently found in news and media sources and can be used in formal writing. While alternative phrases like "lack of voice" or "powerlessness" exist, "voicelessness" specifically emphasizes the absence of a platform or opportunity to be heard. The authoritative sources using the term suggest its widespread acceptance and relevance in contemporary discourse.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lack of voice

Replaces the noun with a more descriptive phrase emphasizing the absence of a literal or figurative voice.

inability to speak

Focuses on the physical or metaphorical inability to articulate thoughts or needs.

lack of representation

Highlights the absence of advocacy or presence in decision-making processes.

absence of agency

Emphasizes the lack of power to act independently or make choices.

suppression of expression

Focuses on the active prevention of voicing opinions or feelings.

marginalization

Indicates a state of being pushed to the edges of society, often leading to a lack of influence.

powerlessness

Highlights the lack of capacity to effect change or exert control.

muted voice

Suggests a subdued or quietened presence, rather than complete absence.

silencing

Focuses on the act of making someone unable to speak or be heard.

lack of influence

Indicates a reduced capacity to affect outcomes or decisions.

FAQs

How can "voicelessness" be used in a sentence?

The term "voicelessness" describes the state of not having a voice or the inability to express oneself. For instance, "The project aims to address the "voicelessness" of marginalized communities".

What is a good alternative to "voicelessness"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "voicelessness" include "powerlessness", "lack of voice", or "inability to speak".

Is it appropriate to use "voicelessness" in formal writing?

Yes, "voicelessness" is suitable for formal writing, particularly when discussing social, political, or philosophical concepts. It effectively conveys the lack of agency or representation.

What's the difference between "voicelessness" and "silence"?

"Voicelessness" often implies a systemic or imposed inability to speak or be heard, while "silence" can be a voluntary or circumstantial absence of speech. "Voicelessness" suggests a lack of power or opportunity to express oneself, while "silence" may simply indicate a temporary absence of sound.