without compassion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "without compassion" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe actions or behaviors that lack empathy or kindness towards others. Example: "The decision was made without compassion, leaving many people affected and hurt."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We cannot seek justice without compassion.

The New Yorker

Trump's supporters booed and jeered without compassion.

The Guardian

But calculation without compassion is empty".

The Guardian - Books

It's a vision conceived without compassion.

The New York Times - Arts

Without compassion I couldn't — I wouldn't — want to shoot this kind of thing.

The New Yorker

Can your passion for music blossom fully without compassion and understanding for humankind?

Yale University

I'm not a man without compassion; we all have compassion to varying degrees, it's human.

The Guardian - Opinion

Nadhim Zahawi, MP for Stratford-on-Avon, tweeted: "We are nothing without compassion.

The Guardian

England's full-back showed him the outside and hauled Ireland's icon down without compassion.

The Guardian - Sport

There are no "lofty pedestals" for those without compassion or empathy for other creatures.

The New York Times

There can be no true connection between people without compassion running between us.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "without compassion", ensure the context clearly indicates the subject who lacks compassion and the object or situation towards which compassion is absent. For example: "The company acted "without compassion" when laying off its employees."

Common error

Avoid broadly labeling entire groups as "without compassion". Focus on specific actions or decisions rather than generalizing about people's inherent nature. For example, instead of saying "Politicians are "without compassion"", specify: "The politician's decision to cut funding demonstrated a lack of compassion".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "without compassion" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs or clauses to describe the manner in which an action is performed. It indicates the absence of empathy or kindness in the execution of an act. Ludwig provides numerous examples of this usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "without compassion" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that serves as an adverbial modifier, typically used to express criticism or disapproval of actions lacking empathy. As affirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is appropriate for neutral to formal contexts, appearing most often in news and academic writing. To wield this phrase effectively, be clear about what or whom lacks compassion, and take care not to broadly condemn entire groups. Consider alternatives like "lacking empathy" or "mercilessly" to refine your meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lacking empathy

Replaces "compassion" with "empathy", focusing on the absence of understanding and sharing feelings.

without empathy

Directly replaces "compassion" with "empathy", highlighting the lack of understanding another's feelings.

devoid of sympathy

Emphasizes the absence of shared feelings of sorrow or pity.

heartlessly

Directly describes a lack of heart or feeling.

unfeeling

A single-word adjective describing a lack of emotion or sensitivity.

callously

Highlights the insensitive and heartless nature of an action.

mercilessly

Focuses on the lack of mercy or leniency in an action.

ruthlessly

Emphasizes the lack of pity or compassion, often implying cruelty.

showing no mercy

More descriptive, emphasizing the absence of leniency or forgiveness.

lacking human kindness

Expands on the concept to include general human kindness and consideration.

FAQs

How can I use "without compassion" in a sentence?

Use "without compassion" to describe actions or decisions that lack empathy or kindness. For example, "The judge delivered the sentence "without compassion"."

What are some alternatives to the phrase "without compassion"?

Alternatives include "lacking empathy", "devoid of sympathy", "mercilessly", or "callously" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "without compassion"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct and commonly used in written English to describe a lack of empathy or kindness.

What does it mean when someone is described as "without compassion"?

It means they are acting or making decisions without considering or caring about the suffering or needs of others. It implies a lack of empathy, understanding, and kindness.