be uncooperative

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be uncooperative" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is not willing to cooperate or work with others in a given situation. Example: "Despite multiple attempts to engage him in the project, he continued to be uncooperative, making it difficult for the team to move forward."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

38 human-written examples

All his other clothing was removed after he was found to be "uncooperative"; his uncooperativeness came after he received, per a CIA cable to headquarters, "48 hours of sleep deprivation, auditory overload, total darkness, isolation, a cold shower and rough treatment".

The Guardian

Still, Carroll said, she can be uncooperative.

The New York Times - Sports

Finally, he urged people who are visited by census takers not to hide or be uncooperative.

The New York Times

Who among employers hires a prospective employee who pledges to be uncooperative?

The New York Times

A second officer arrived and prepared to use a Taser against Mr. Olango, who continued to be uncooperative.

The New York Times

But the banks could be uncooperative, given that Finova has $1.2 billion in bonds maturing next year alone.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

22 human-written examples

The victim is uncooperative.

The New York Times

But the banks were uncooperative.

The New York Times - Magazine

Police say the victim was uncooperative.

The New York Times

The vice president's office was uncooperative.

The New York Times

The wounded man has been uncooperative with police.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone as "be uncooperative", provide specific examples of their behavior to support your claim and avoid generalizations.

Common error

Avoid using "be uncooperative" repeatedly in a single piece of writing. Instead, vary your language with synonyms like "refuse to cooperate" or "obstruct progress" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be uncooperative" functions as a verb phrase, typically serving as a predicate adjective complement. It describes a state of unwillingness to cooperate. Ludwig examples show various subjects exhibiting this behavior in different contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Science

26%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "be uncooperative" is a commonly used verb phrase that describes a lack of willingness to collaborate or assist. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability. It frequently appears in news and media, science, and wiki contexts. While authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian use it, it's important to vary your language and provide specific examples when using this phrase in writing. Alternatives include "refuse to cooperate" and "be difficult".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

refuse to cooperate

Emphasizes a deliberate decision not to work together.

be unwilling to help

Highlights a lack of readiness to provide assistance.

obstruct progress

Focuses on hindering advancement or development.

stonewall negotiations

Suggests deliberately delaying or blocking discussions.

be defiant

Implies resistance and a refusal to obey.

be resistant

Highlights opposition and a lack of acceptance.

not be amenable

Indicates a lack of openness or willingness to agree.

be recalcitrant

Suggests stubbornness and resistance to authority.

withhold collaboration

Focuses on the act of not offering cooperative efforts.

be difficult

Describes someone or something causing problems or not easy to deal with.

FAQs

How can I use "be uncooperative" in a sentence?

You can use "be uncooperative" to describe someone's unwillingness to work with others, such as "The suspect continued to be uncooperative during the interrogation".

What are some alternatives to "be uncooperative"?

You can use alternatives like "refuse to cooperate", "be difficult", or "be resistant" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "be uncooperative"?

Yes, "be uncooperative" is grammatically correct when used as a verb phrase to describe a state of unwillingness to cooperate.

What does it mean when someone is described as "uncooperative"?

When someone is described as "uncooperative", it means they are unwilling to assist, collaborate, or follow instructions. It implies a lack of willingness to work with others.