# devoid

/dɪˈvɔɪd/ (US) · /dɪvˈɔɪd/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/devoid
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. completely lacking

adjective · CEFR C1 · Formal

completely without something, especially a quality like feeling or life.

For teachers: entirely lacking or empty of a particular quality, substance, or attribute. Used predicatively and followed by the preposition 'of'.

- The desert landscape was completely devoid of life for miles.
- The legal document was written in a style so dry it was utterly devoid of any human emotion or warmth.

Usage: This adjective is used after a verb like 'be' or 'seem' and must be followed by 'of' plus a noun phrase.

## Examples

- The room was devoid of furniture.
- The desert landscape appeared devoid of any visible life or vegetation.
- His speech was devoid of emotion, delivered in a flat monotone that failed to engage the audience.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.