Unresponsive-eyed
Describing a person's eyes that lack emotional reaction, animation, or engagement with their surroundings or the people interacting with them. The term highlights a gaze that is seemingly vacant, suggesting a detachment, lack of awareness, or a subdued emotional state. This condition can be caused by physical exhaustion, emotional numbness, psychological distress, or a medical condition. The eyes may appear dull, listless, and devoid of their usual sparkle, failing to reflect the usual range of emotions such as joy, surprise, or concern. It underscores a noticeable absence of connection or empathetic exchange through visual communication. It's often an adjective but can be modified using adverbs, like 'slightly unresponsive-eyed'.
Unresponsive-eyed meaning with examples
- After the long flight and ordeal, the weary traveler looked at us with unresponsive-eyed stare, only grasping the simplest instructions. Her vacant gaze offered no acknowledgment of our offers of assistance, making us feel even more concerned for her well-being. The emotional toll of her journey was evident in her lifeless eyes. We offered some water hoping to rouse her.
- The witness at the trial remained unresponsive-eyed throughout the testimony. His lack of reaction to even the most dramatic evidence created a sense of unease in the courtroom. The jurors found his detached manner disconcerting, wondering if his stoicism was a sign of guilt or shock. His frozen demeanor was the main topic of conversation.
- As the news of the accident sank in, her face went pale, and her normally vibrant eyes became unresponsive-eyed. The shock had visibly taken its toll, numbing her capacity to react and convey feelings. The gravity of the situation seemed to reflect in her flat gaze as it was devoid of any emotional spark. Reaching out her hand, she gave us no expression.
- The character in the novel frequently gazed into the distance with an unresponsive-eyed expression. This indicated a feeling of ennui and detached introspection, mirroring the alienation that was the theme of the story. The author used the character's eye contact (or lack thereof) to communicate inner turmoil and a lack of connection.
