without sustenance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "without sustenance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a state of lacking food or nourishment, often in a metaphorical sense as well. Example: "The stranded hikers were left without sustenance for days, struggling to survive in the wilderness."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

Unlike camels, humans weren't designed to go the long haul without sustenance.

The New York Times

The cavefish withstand months without sustenance by storing massive amounts of fat and burning it more slowly.

Harvard University

The Sudanese military in Darfur can be trapped there without sustenance, to wither or retreat as the bulk of Sudanese forces are kept out.

The New York Times

The fly's empty package looks like the ancestral gift of real food, so the female simply retains an old behavior to receive sex without sustenance.

Forbes

That is considerably longer than this weak-willed Christian generally goes without sustenance.

Huffington Post

If there is only a strategy to drive out the gangs and drug economies, the populace that relied on them will be left without sustenance.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Hinds argues that "in the history of New Jersey, no woman pretrial detainee or prisoner has ever been treated as she was, continuously confined in a men's prison, under twenty-four hour surveillance of her most intimate functions, without intellectual sustenance, adequate medical attention, and exercise, and without the company of other women for all the years she was in custody".

Wikipedia

Nor am I saying that they are only mental chewing-gum, flavours to kill time without real sustenance.

The Guardian - Books

Some of its residents had died from malnutrition, while others were suffering complications caused by months without proper sustenance.

The Guardian

But I wonder how long people can continue to live that kind of life without the sustenance of a community of faith.

The New York Times

Without that sustenance, he drops to his knees on the road until some serendipitous rain arrives, washing away the blood and guts and leaving Nick alive again, reborn.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "without sustenance", ensure the context clearly indicates what type of sustenance is lacking, whether it's food, emotional support, or other essential resources.

Common error

Avoid using "without sustenance" in contexts where a simpler phrase like "without food" would suffice. "Without sustenance" is most effective when conveying a broader sense of deprivation beyond mere hunger.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "without sustenance" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase, often modifying a noun or verb to indicate a condition of lacking essential nourishment or support. As Ludwig indicates, the phrase is correct and usable in English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Academia

21%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "without sustenance" is a grammatically correct and usable prepositional phrase that describes a state of lacking essential nourishment or support, as affirmed by Ludwig. While not as common as simpler alternatives like "without food", it's valuable for conveying a broader sense of deprivation that extends beyond mere hunger. It appears most frequently in news media but also finds use in academic contexts. When using this phrase, ensure clarity regarding the specific type of sustenance that is absent. Be aware, it's best not to use this phrase when something simpler can replace it.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

without nourishment

A direct synonym, indicating the absence of nourishment.

lacking nourishment

Emphasizes the absence of necessary nutrients.

devoid of sustenance

Highlights a complete absence of nutritional support.

bereft of nourishment

Implies a sense of loss or deprivation of nourishment.

deprived of food

Focuses specifically on the lack of food.

starved of nutrition

Emphasizes the state of being starved or deficient in nutrition.

without dietary intake

Specifically refers to the absence of food intake.

unsustained

A single word describing the lack of support or sustenance.

lacking vital support

Broadens the meaning to include non-food related support.

without essential resources

Focuses on the absence of necessary resources in a broader sense.

FAQs

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

You can use "without sustenance" to describe a state of lacking food or nourishment. For example: "The stranded hikers were left without sustenance for days, struggling to survive in the wilderness".

What can I say instead of "without sustenance"?

You can use alternatives like "lacking nourishment", "devoid of sustenance", or "deprived of food" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "living without sustenance"?

Yes, "living without sustenance" is grammatically correct and conveys the idea of surviving without essential nourishment. However, consider more descriptive alternatives depending on your desired nuance.

What is the difference between "without food" and "without sustenance"?

"Without food" specifically refers to the absence of something to eat. "Without sustenance" is broader and can refer to the lack of anything that provides essential support or nourishment, including but not limited to food.