void of meaning

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "void of meaning" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a statement or idea which holds no deep value or relevance. For example, "His speech was void of meaning, as if he had not even thought about what he was saying."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

American painting by such artists as Pollock and Warhol showed his generation how to begin again, though in a void of meaning.

The New Yorker

And I'd rather have a flag in ashes than one void of meaning.

Huffington Post

The fact that they're purposefully void of meaning always winds up making them feel somewhat sinister.

Vice

What you see around your writing is a void of meaning, a lack of something.

The New York Times

Schopenhauer, Beckett and Shakespeare are wheeled on and off, and people are castigated for filling the void of meaning with Scientology or football.

The Guardian - Books

I do not agree with the skeptical view of Hussein Agha and Robert Malley ("The two-state solution's many flaws," Views, Aug. 12) that "the two-state solution has become void of meaning, a catchphrase divorced from the contentious issues it is supposed to resolve".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

The Crown's failure to uphold and honour Te Tiriti renders any semblance of meaning void.

Vice

To break it down in layman's terms, Nowachek points out that because racism is an instrument of society, void of any meaning but the meaning that the constantly shifting society gives it, AI would find no relevance in being or acting racist itself, even if it could receive racial cues.

TechCrunch

To hear the BBC's director of television, Jana Bennett, last week embrace The Weakest Link within the latter is to realise that language is being voided of all meaning.

The Guardian

You know that a work by Rosenquist is good when your futile efforts to make sense of it run in rather precise circles — mental wheels turning, pleasurably, in a void of decidable meaning.

The New Yorker

Van Gogh's ear has taken on a life of its own, independent from Van Gogh, and void of the meaning that once made it a saintly relic of modern art.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "void of meaning", ensure that the context clearly establishes what is expected to have meaning. This provides a stronger contrast and highlights the emptiness effectively.

Common error

Avoid using "void of meaning" in excessively abstract philosophical discussions where the concept of meaning itself is already highly ambiguous. Use more precise terms like "incoherent" or "lacking empirical support" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "void of meaning" primarily functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun to describe something lacking significance, purpose, or substance. It describes a state of emptiness regarding deeper significance, as Ludwig examples demonstrate.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

18%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "void of meaning" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe something lacking purpose, substance, or significance. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a valid phrase in written English. Analysis of Ludwig examples reveals that its function is adjectival, often used in news media and scientific contexts to critically assess the lack of value or intent in a given subject. While alternatives like "devoid of significance" and "meaningless" exist, "void of meaning" carries a unique nuance, suggesting a profound emptiness. When employing this phrase, clarity of context is essential to maximize its impact, while overuse in overly abstract discussions should be avoided.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

meaningless

A more direct and concise way of expressing the same concept.

devoid of significance

This alternative emphasizes the lack of importance or consequence.

lacking in substance

This focuses on the absence of depth or solid content.

empty of purpose

This highlights the absence of a clear aim or intention.

bereft of significance

This suggests a sense of loss regarding meaning or importance.

without any significance

This phrase emphasizes a complete absence of importance.

insignificant

Focuses on the lack of importance or impact.

vacuous

Suggests emptiness and a lack of intellectual or emotional depth.

hollow

Implies a superficiality and lack of genuine feeling or substance.

pointless

Emphasizes the lack of a useful aim or goal.

FAQs

How can I use "void of meaning" in a sentence?

You can use "void of meaning" to describe something that lacks purpose, significance, or substance. For example, "The politician's speech was "void of meaning", offering no concrete solutions to the pressing issues."

What are some alternatives to saying "void of meaning"?

Alternatives include "devoid of significance", "lacking in substance", or simply "meaningless", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "void of meaning" or "devoid of meaning"?

Both "void of meaning" and "devoid of meaning" are grammatically correct and have very similar meanings. The choice often comes down to personal preference or stylistic considerations. "Void" might imply a greater emptiness, while "devoid" suggests a lack of something that was once present.

What is the difference between "void of meaning" and "empty of meaning"?

While both phrases indicate a lack of substance, "void of meaning" is the more common and idiomatic expression. "Empty of meaning" is less frequently used and might sound slightly awkward to some native English speakers.