Off-putting

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Off-putting" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe something that is unpleasant or disconcerting, causing someone to feel averse or reluctant. Example: "The strong smell of the fish market was off-putting to many visitors."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

Is my directness off-putting?

Stanford University

But many people find the distortions off-putting.

The Economist

But off-putting.

The New Yorker

How off-putting?

The New Yorker

That was off-putting.

The New York Times

off-putting to voters?

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

Was my tone or conduct off putting?

Forbes

"Everybody has an off putting week.

Los Angeles Times

It's very off putting and inconsiderate to other passengers.

WikiHow

Prolonged eye contact before a conversation can be off putting.

WikiHow

Yellow teeth can be off putting to the reader.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing sensory experiences, such as smells or tastes, "off-putting" can effectively convey a negative first impression. For example, "The pungent aroma of the durian fruit was off-putting to many tourists."

Common error

In formal or academic writing, consider using more precise and nuanced alternatives to "off-putting" to convey the specific reason for the negative impression. For example, instead of "The author's informal tone was off-putting", try "The author's informal tone detracted from the credibility of the research".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "off-putting" is as an adjective. It is used to describe a noun, indicating that it causes aversion or discouragement. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Science

7%

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "off-putting" functions as an adjective used to describe something that causes aversion or discouragement. Ludwig AI indicates that it is both correct and usable in English, commonly used to express negative evaluations across various contexts. While it appears most frequently in News & Media and Wiki content, its neutral register makes it suitable for diverse applications. To enhance clarity in formal writing, consider alternatives such as "unpleasant" or "unappealing". Avoiding overuse and maintaining precision will ensure effective communication. As shown by Ludwig, the phrase has a notable usage in describing behaviors, appearances, and even writing styles in a negative way.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unpleasant

More general term for something disagreeable.

disagreeable

Similar to unpleasant, but can also refer to a person's behavior.

unappealing

A neutral alternative that means not attractive or pleasant.

repulsive

Indicates a stronger sense of disgust than "off-putting".

unattractive

Focuses on lacking appeal, whether visually or otherwise.

distasteful

Emphasizes a lack of enjoyment or moral acceptance.

uninviting

Suggests a lack of appeal, particularly in terms of wanting to approach or engage with something.

deterrent

Focuses on preventing someone from doing something.

discouraging

Highlights the effect of making someone lose enthusiasm.

unsettling

Indicates something that makes one feel uneasy or anxious.

FAQs

How can I use "off-putting" in a sentence?

You can use "off-putting" to describe something that is unpleasant or creates a negative impression. For example, "His arrogant attitude was off-putting to potential clients."

What are some alternatives to "off-putting"?

Some alternatives to "off-putting" include "unpleasant", "disagreeable", "repulsive", or "unappealing", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "off-putting" formal or informal?

"Off-putting" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, though more formal synonyms might be preferable in some situations.

What makes something "off-putting"?

Something is "off-putting" if it causes aversion, discouragement, or makes someone feel uncomfortable or unwilling to engage further. This can be due to various factors like appearance, behavior, or atmosphere.