Emptiness: meaning, definitions and examples

Used to describe a feeling of being alone or without purpose, as well as physical spaces lacking objects or people.

• After the kids left for college, she felt a deep sense of emptiness at home.
• He stared into the emptiness of the desert, feeling completely lost.

Describes an empty space or a feeling of loss and emptiness, often used in a more emotional or existential sense.

• The loss of his pet left a void in his heart that nothing could fill.
• Staring into the night sky, she felt as if she were looking into an endless void.

Often used to describe a lack of emotion or sincerity, as well as the physical state of being empty inside.

• Despite his smile, she could sense the hollowness in his words.
• The old tree, struck by lightning years ago, had a hollowness in its trunk.

Refers to an unoccupied position, space, or room, often used in professional or physical contexts.

• The hotel had a vacancy sign, indicating available rooms.
• There's a job vacancy in the marketing department that might interest you.

Used when describing a feeling of loneliness or lack of purpose, often with an emotional or psychological aspect.

• After her friend moved away, she felt a deep emptiness.
• The emptiness of the desert was overwhelming.

Describes something that is completely empty, often with a dramatic or metaphorical meaning. Can also have a negative connotation when referring to absence or nullity.

• She fell into a void of despair.
• The contract was declared void, meaning it had no legal force.

Commonly used to describe an unoccupied space, job position, or condition of being uninhabited. Often has a neutral or administrative tone.

• There is a vacancy in the marketing department.
• The hotel's sign showed 'No Vacancy' indicating it was fully booked.

Often refers to the lack of expression or information on a surface or in someone's reaction, typically visuals or mental states.

• The blankness on his face worried me.
• The page was filled with blankness, as if no ideas were coming to him.