What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
inexpressive
Example
The actor's inexpressive face made it hard to tell what he was feeling. [inexpressive: adjective]
Example
The painting was technically impressive, but it felt inexpressive and lacked any emotional impact. [inexpressive: adjective]
Example
The writer's inexpressive prose failed to capture the beauty of the sunset. [inexpressive: adjective]
expressionless
Example
She stared at him with an expressionless face, giving nothing away. [expressionless: adjective]
Example
The room was silent and expressionless after the shocking news was announced. [expressionless: adjective]
Example
He spoke in an expressionless tone, making it hard to tell if he was joking or serious. [expressionless: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Expressionless is more commonly used than inexpressive in everyday language. Expressionless is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while inexpressive is less common and refers to a lack of emotional depth or impact in art, language, or writing.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between inexpressive and expressionless?
Both inexpressive and expressionless are neutral in terms of formality and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
