adverse attention

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "adverse attention" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe negative or unfavorable scrutiny or focus directed towards someone or something. Example: "The company's recent scandal has drawn adverse attention from the media and the public."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

Yet, few features of bureaucratic life have received so much adverse attention as the role of hierarchical authority as a means for achieving organizational command and control.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Another story which attracted adverse attention was when Madonna expressed her appreciation for Obama thus: "We have a black Muslim in the white-house".

Independent

She was pretending to be straight, or at least "lying by omission", as she puts it, intent on fulfilling her acting ambitions without any adverse attention, even though she had been out of the closet with her loved ones for years.

The Guardian - Film

In the case of medicine, though, I wonder if there's another reason why business-speak is the subject of such consistent, adverse attention: not because the language is hollow, but precisely because it isn't.

Forbes

Several aspects of Christ Illusions content and promotion generated adverse attention and publicity.

Wikipedia

Instead of achieving the result it desired, now the country has attracted adverse attention and provided more ammunition to its many enemies.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

They are the actions of a government terrified of adverse media attention.

The Guardian

While the vast majority of Dow products are benign, a number have been the subject of adverse public attention and lawsuits.

Britannica

"A celebrity being named as an individual respondent can raise the stakes of employment litigation and increase a claimant's bargaining position for a higher settlement due to the potential significant adverse media attention on the individual concerned," said Richard Nicolle, partner at law firm Stewarts Law.

The Guardian

@Narcomania.

Vice

While those who had been inside for stabbing people were allowed out early, this was refused for Luke because probation officers said it would "attract adverse media attention" and "likely damage public confidence".

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "adverse attention" when you want to emphasize the negative or detrimental nature of the attention received. This phrase is suitable when something has garnered unwanted or unfavorable focus due to a problem, scandal, or mistake.

Common error

While "adverse attention" is generally acceptable, avoid using it in very informal settings where simpler phrases like "bad publicity" or "negative focus" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "adverse attention" functions as a noun phrase, where 'adverse' is an adjective modifying the noun 'attention'. It describes a situation where something is receiving unwanted or harmful focus, as confirmed by Ludwig's analysis.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

31%

Encyclopedias

13%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "adverse attention" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that describes negative or unfavorable scrutiny. As indicated by Ludwig, it's most commonly found in News & Media and Science contexts, suggesting a neutral to slightly formal register. When writing, it's best to use "adverse attention" when you want to emphasize the detrimental impact of the attention. For more informal settings, consider alternatives like "bad press" or "negative publicity". While the phrase itself is appropriate for various writing styles, it’s crucial to ensure its tone fits well within the overall context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

negative publicity

Replaces 'attention' with a more specific term related to public image, focusing on the negative aspect.

unfavorable scrutiny

Substitutes both 'adverse' and 'attention' with synonyms that emphasize a critical examination.

bad press

An informal way to describe negative media coverage.

negative focus

Highlights the negative aspect of being the center of attention.

unwelcome spotlight

Uses a metaphor to convey the idea of unwanted attention.

critical notice

Emphasizes the critical or judgmental nature of the attention received.

hostile observation

Conveys a sense of antagonism or opposition in the way someone is being watched.

undesirable awareness

Highlights that the attention is unwanted or unwelcome.

public disapproval

Focuses on the public's negative reaction and expression of disapproval.

awkward notoriety

Implies a level of fame or infamy that is uncomfortable or undesirable.

FAQs

How can I use "adverse attention" in a sentence?

You can use "adverse attention" to describe situations where something or someone is receiving negative or unwanted focus. For example, "The politician's scandal drew significant "adverse attention" from the media".

What's a more informal way to say "adverse attention"?

For a more informal tone, consider using phrases like "bad press", "negative publicity", or "unfavorable notice" depending on the specific context.

Is "adverse attention" the same as "negative attention"?

"Adverse attention" and "negative attention" are very similar, but "adverse attention" often suggests that the attention is causing harm or damage, while "negative attention" simply indicates it's unwanted or unfavorable.

What kind of situations typically attract "adverse attention"?

Situations that typically attract "adverse attention" include scandals, controversies, ethical breaches, significant failures, and public disagreements.