an unfriendly atmosphere

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an unfriendly atmosphere" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a setting or environment that feels hostile or unwelcoming. Example: "The moment I walked into the room, I could sense an unfriendly atmosphere that made it difficult to relax."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

"The problem is that we're all competing for so few roles, and the competitiveness creates an unfriendly atmosphere".

The New Yorker

Chaitow added that while most civic centers can have an unfriendly atmosphere, the Newport facility is aimed at welcoming residents.

Los Angeles Times

Warn him that this kind of behavior doesn't sit well with either you OR your friends since it, obviously, creates an unfriendly atmosphere.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

After Proposition 209 passed in 1996 and racial or ethnic preferences in UC's admissions process were forbidden, Henkin remained optimistic, even when talented disadvantaged high schoolers turned down admission to UC because of an alleged unfriendly atmosphere, said Caroline Kane, head of the coalition.

University of California, Berkeley

Reese blamed hassles with the police and a generally unfriendly atmosphere for the departure.

Los Angeles Times

It was not an honest attempt to heal, as lawmakers who supported it argued, they said, but a political statement issued to prove a point, which creates a highly charged, unfriendly atmosphere.

The New York Times

That unfriendly atmosphere made a strange backdrop for the other big announcement of the day: that the Islanders are moving to Brooklyn.

The New York Times - Sports

Foreign journalists were "already facing an unfriendly working atmosphere which does not fit with a democratic state," added Mus.

Huffington Post

Their ability to win in hostile places, both on the road and in the unfriendly atmosphere they've often faced in Carson, was a vital asset in their noisy surroundings Sunday.

Los Angeles Times

"It was a hostile atmosphere.

Independent

She said so herself in an essay published in The New York Times Magazine in 2000, lamenting what she called an "increasingly unfriendly neighborhood atmosphere" and complaining about town regulations that hindered her business.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a setting, use "an unfriendly atmosphere" to effectively convey feelings of unease or hostility. Provide specific details that contribute to this atmosphere, such as harsh lighting, tense interactions, or unwelcoming decor.

Common error

Avoid relying solely on the phrase "an unfriendly atmosphere" to depict negative environments. Instead, vary your descriptions with more specific and evocative language to create a stronger impact and avoid repetition.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an unfriendly atmosphere" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or the complement of a preposition. It describes a particular quality or characteristic of a place, situation, or environment. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "an unfriendly atmosphere" is a grammatically sound and useful expression for describing environments that lack warmth or welcome. According to Ludwig AI, it is correct and usable in written English. While not extremely common, it finds usage across various contexts, including news, academic writing, and general descriptions. To enhance your writing, consider enriching your descriptions with specific details that contribute to the atmosphere. If you want to avoid redundancy, explore alternatives such as "a hostile environment" or "a cold atmosphere". Using more specific and evocative language can create a stronger impact on your readers.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a hostile environment

This alternative emphasizes the antagonistic nature of the atmosphere.

a tense environment

This suggests a feeling of unease and strain in the air.

an unwelcoming environment

This focuses on the lack of warmth or invitation.

a strained atmosphere

This suggests a feeling of discomfort and pressure.

a cold atmosphere

This alternative describes an environment lacking warmth or friendliness.

a chilly reception

This highlights the cold and distant manner in which someone or something is received.

a negative vibe

This uses more informal language to describe a bad feeling.

a forbidding environment

This emphasizes the deterring or menacing nature of the atmosphere.

an unpleasant ambiance

This suggests that the overall mood or feeling is disagreeable.

a disagreeable climate

This highlights an environment that is contentious or difficult.

FAQs

How can I use "an unfriendly atmosphere" in a sentence?

You can use "an unfriendly atmosphere" to describe a place or situation that feels hostile or unwelcoming. For example: "The moment I walked into the room, I could sense "an unfriendly atmosphere" that made it difficult to relax."

What are some synonyms for "an unfriendly atmosphere"?

Alternatives to "an unfriendly atmosphere" include "a hostile environment", "a tense environment", or "an unwelcoming environment", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "a hostile atmosphere" or "an unfriendly atmosphere"?

"A hostile atmosphere" and "an unfriendly atmosphere" are similar, but "hostile" implies a more aggressive and openly antagonistic environment. "Unfriendly" suggests a more subtle lack of warmth or welcome. Choose the term that best fits the specific situation.

What creates "an unfriendly atmosphere"?

Factors contributing to "an unfriendly atmosphere" can include tense interactions, unwelcoming physical environments, a lack of trust, or perceived competition. The specifics depend on the context.