Bereft: meaning, definitions and examples

Used to describe someone who is deeply sorrowful or deprived of something important or dear, often with an emotional or dramatic tone.

• After the sudden loss of her husband, she felt utterly bereft.
• He was bereft of words when he heard the tragic news.

Often used to describe a lack of basic needs or something necessary for a normal life, commonly used in social or economic contexts.

• Many children in impoverished areas are deprived of a proper education.
• Feeling deprived of sleep, she struggled to stay awake during the meeting.

Used to describe something that is completely lacking in a particular quality or characteristic, often in a neutral or factual tone.

• The desert landscape was devoid of vegetation.
• His voice was devoid of emotion as he delivered the news.

Often used in general contexts to describe a deficiency or absence of something, sometimes with a mild negative connotation, but usually less intense than 'bereft' or 'deprived'.

• Her argument was lacking in evidence.
• The sauce was tasty but lacking in spice.

Used when someone is left feeling sad and lonely due to loss.

• She felt bereft after her dog passed away.
• He was bereft of hope after the accident.

Used when something is taken away from someone, making them unable to have it.

• The children were deprived of proper nutrition.
• He was deprived of his rights.

Used mainly in legal or formal contexts to indicate someone has been stripped of property or possessions.

• The family was dispossessed of their home due to unpaid taxes.
• He was dispossessed of his estate after the lawsuit.

Used when something is removed completely, often in a literal or aggressive way. Can have a negative connotation.

• The company was stripped of its title due to cheating.
• He was stripped of his medals after the scandal.