devoid
C1Formal
Definition
Meaning
completely lacking in a particular quality or element; entirely without.
A state of complete absence, emptiness, or deprivation; often used to describe something that is missing an essential or expected characteristic.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
"Devoid" expresses a total absence and is almost always followed by "of." It carries a stronger, more formal, and more absolute sense than simply saying "without." It is primarily used as a predicative adjective (after a linking verb like "is" or "seems").
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. It is equally formal in both varieties.
Connotations
Often carries a slightly negative or critical tone, suggesting a lack of something desirable or necessary.
Frequency
Slightly more common in formal writing than in casual speech in both dialects. No notable frequency difference between UK and US English.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Subject] is/seems/remains/appears devoid of [Noun Phrase]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A heart devoid of pity”
- “A world devoid of sense”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
The report was devoid of actionable data, making it useless for our strategy.
Academic
The argument, while passionate, was devoid of empirical evidence.
Everyday
His apology seemed completely devoid of sincerity.
Technical
The vacuum chamber was rendered devoid of all atmospheric gases.
Examples
By Part of Speech
adjective
British English
- The landscape was utterly devoid of trees.
- Her tone remained devoid of any warmth.
American English
- The proposal is devoid of any real financial planning.
- His face was completely devoid of expression.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The room was devoid of furniture.
- Her answer was devoid of detail.
- The film's plot was exciting but devoid of character development.
- A contract devoid of clear terms is risky for both parties.
- His critique, while sharp, was devoid of constructive alternatives.
- The political discourse had become devoid of substantive policy debate.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: DE (completely) + VOID (empty). A DE-VOID place is completely empty of something.
Conceptual Metaphor
ABSENCE IS EMPTINESS / LACK IS A CONTAINER WITHOUT CONTENTS.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid translating directly as "лишённый" in informal contexts where "without" is more natural.
- Do not confuse with "avoid," which means to keep away from.
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect: *devoid from meaning. Correct: devoid of meaning.
- Incorrect: using it attributively before a noun (*a devoid statement). Correct: a statement devoid of truth.
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'devoid' correctly?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, 'devoid' is almost exclusively used as a predicative adjective after a linking verb (e.g., 'The room was devoid...'). It is not used attributively before a noun.
The preposition 'of' always follows 'devoid.' The structure is 'devoid of [something].'
'Devoid' is a formal word. In casual speech, 'without,' 'lacking,' or 'free from' are more common alternatives.
It typically implies a negative lack—the absence of something desirable or necessary (e.g., devoid of empathy). However, it can be neutral (devoid of air) or positive (devoid of corruption) depending on context.