are not complimentary

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are not complimentary" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something does not express praise or admiration, often in a critical context. Example: "The reviews of the movie are not complimentary, highlighting its numerous flaws and lack of originality."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

LICHTENSTEIN -- You know, once Peter Brook said to me that it's more important to listen to those who are not complimentary than to those who are.

The New York Times - Arts

The businesses are not complimentary for Santander's existing businesses in Italy".

Forbes

Chips and salsa are not complimentary, neither are refills.

Los Angeles Times

All the abovementioned methods focus on a single compound or at most in combination with metabolites when an in vivo system is in use, and idealistic (or non-realistic) conditions which are not complimentary with the real life situation where the drug of interest is used.

AAPS Journal

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

For long term counseling on mental health or sleep deprivation, students have to reach out to outside therapists, services that aren't complimentary.

Huffington Post

The term is not complimentary.

The New Yorker

What was being said was not complimentary.

The New York Times - Sports

"It is not complimentary, but it is not biased".

The New York Times

King is not complimentary about Stanley Kubrick's adaptation.

The Guardian - Books

Unfortunately the resulting article, although a gripping read, was not complimentary.

The Economist

Ms. Kraus acknowledged that, when asked by Restoration Project executives to characterize the extent of the outreach done by the rowing association at Sharp, she was not complimentary.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are not complimentary", ensure the context clearly indicates what is lacking in praise or approval. For example, specify what the comments or reviews are not complimentary about.

Common error

Avoid using "are not complimentary" in highly informal contexts where simpler terms like "aren't nice" or "are mean" would be more appropriate. This phrase suits formal or neutral settings better.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are not complimentary" functions as a predicative adjective, modifying a noun to indicate a lack of praise or positive evaluation. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through numerous examples where the phrase describes feedback, reviews, or opinions.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are not complimentary" is a grammatically correct and relatively formal way to express that something lacks praise or positive feedback. While Ludwig AI indicates its frequency is rare, it's commonly found in news and media, as well as in scientific and formal contexts. When using this phrase, ensure that the context is appropriate for its level of formality and that the subject being described is clearly defined. Consider using synonyms like "are unflattering" or "are unfavorable" to add nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are uncomplimentary

A more direct synonym, implying a lack of positive remarks or praise.

are not flattering

Focuses on the lack of positive or pleasing qualities.

are unfavorable

Indicates a negative or disapproving assessment.

are not appreciative

Emphasizes a lack of gratitude or recognition.

are critical

Highlights a fault-finding or judgmental perspective.

are disapproving

Implies a sense of objection or disagreement.

are negative

A general term for lacking positive qualities.

are harsh

Emphasizes the severity or unpleasantness of the comments.

are unkind

Focuses on the lack of benevolence or consideration.

are disparaging

Suggests a belittling or undermining attitude.

FAQs

What does it mean when comments "are not complimentary"?

When comments "are not complimentary", it means they are critical, unfavorable, or lacking in praise. They may express disapproval or highlight faults rather than positive aspects.

What are some alternatives to saying something "is not complimentary"?

You can use alternatives such as "is unflattering", "is unfavorable", or "is critical" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

How do I use "are not complimentary" in a sentence?

You can use "are not complimentary" to describe reviews, opinions, or remarks that lack praise. For example: "The reviews of the restaurant are not complimentary, citing poor service and mediocre food."

Is it more formal to say something "is not complimentary" than to say it's "mean"?

Yes, saying something "is not complimentary" is more formal and polite than saying it's "mean". "Not complimentary" is suitable for professional or neutral contexts, while "mean" is more appropriate for informal settings.