devoid

IPA/dɪˈvɔɪd/
KK[dɪvˈɔɪd]IPA/dɪˈvɔɪd/

devoid — adjective

  • devoidpositive
  • more devoidcomparative
  • most devoidsuperlative

1. having none of a particular quality or thing that would usually or properly belo

1.adjectiveB2
Definition

having none of a particular quality or thing that would usually or properly belong to someone or something

Example

After the fire, the apartment was devoid of furniture except for a single burnt chair.

devoid of + noun phrase for total physical absence

Lien read her speech in a voice devoid of emotion, surprising no one there.

Common collocations
  • completely devoid
  • entirely devoid
  • utterly devoid
  • devoid of emotion
  • devoid of meaning
  • devoid of interest
  • devoid of merit
  • devoid of life
  • devoid of colour
Synonyms
  • lacking

    less formal than 'devoid'; can be used with 'in' (lacking in) instead of 'of'

  • without

    simpler and more common in everyday speech; not tied to a specific preposition pattern

  • empty of

    more literal, often used for physical containers or spaces

  • destitute of

    very formal and stronger in tone, suggesting extreme deprivation

Antonyms
  • full of

    direct opposite; having plenty of something

  • rich in

    having an abundance, opposite of a complete lack

Grammar Patterns

devoid + of + noun phrase

Usage Note

Always used with the preposition 'of' to introduce the missing element. Cannot be placed before a noun (*a devoid room) or used without a complement (*The room was devoid).

Common Mistakes

The room was devoid.
The room was devoid of furniture.
'devoid' must always be followed by 'of' and a noun phrase.
She is devoid from emotion.
She is devoid of emotion.
The correct preposition is 'of', not 'from' or 'in'.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: adjective/1

'Devoid' is stronger than 'lacking' — it suggests a complete absence rather than just an insufficient amount. 'Lacking' is more common in everyday speech ('The soup is lacking salt') while 'devoid' carries a more formal or emphatic tone ('The report was devoid of any useful information'). 'Without' is the simplest and most neutral option, working in any register ('coffee without sugar'). 'Empty of' is more literal, typically describing physical containers or spaces, whereas 'devoid' works equally well for abstract qualities. For example: 'His speech was devoid of substance' sounds more deliberately critical than 'His speech lacked substance.' When describing a room, 'empty of furniture' feels more natural in casual conversation, but both are grammatically correct.

lacking ↗without ↗empty of ↗

Common collocations

Adverbs

Phrases

  • devoid of emotion
  • devoid of meaning
  • devoid of interest
  • devoid of life
  • devoid of colour

Prepositions

Etymology

Anglo-FrenchMiddle EnglishEnglish

From Middle English 'devoid', borrowed from Anglo-French 'desvuidier' — formed from 'des-' (away, apart) and 'vuidier' (to empty), related to 'voide' (empty). The original sense was 'emptied out', which developed into the modern meaning of being completely without something.

First known use

15th century

15th century, in the meaning defined above