being uncooperative

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "being uncooperative" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone is not willing to work with others or follow instructions. Example: "The team struggled to meet the deadline due to one member being uncooperative and refusing to collaborate."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

41 human-written examples

I've heard bad things about Reed being uncooperative in interviews, but it's probably apocryphal.

The Guardian - Music

"And that nervousness," Mr. Saleh said, "might be interpreted as being uncooperative.

The New York Times

Melissa Sussman, an assistant district attorney, said in court that the charges were being dismissed for "a number of reasons, including the complaining witness being uncooperative".

The New York Times

But the tester soon complained to a superior that Mr. Sander was being uncooperative by not breathing forcefully enough into the device, resulting in two incomplete tests.

The New York Times

Sir Robert Francis QC, who led the inquiry into the Mid Staffs hospital scandal, warned those who faced criticism against being uncooperative in responding to the inquiry.

The Guardian

Mr. Crawford of the F.D.A. said that "given their long history of being uncooperative, we view their offer to make these reports available now to be disingenuous".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

14 human-written examples

The victim is uncooperative.

The New York Times

Still, Carroll said, she can be uncooperative.

The New York Times - Sports

The vice president's office was uncooperative.

The New York Times

The wounded man has been uncooperative with police.

The New York Times

XXXXXXXXXXXX and several Hungarian officials were uncooperative, he said, XXXXXXXXXXXX.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context: While "being uncooperative" clearly conveys a lack of willingness to collaborate, evaluate whether a more specific term—like "being defiant", "refusing to assist", or "obstructing progress"—might provide a more nuanced understanding of the situation.

Common error

While "being uncooperative" is generally acceptable, avoid relying on it excessively in formal or professional documents. Opt for stronger, more precise terms such as "non-compliant behavior" or "refusal to collaborate" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "being uncooperative" functions as a gerund phrase, acting as a noun. It often serves as the subject or object of a sentence, describing the state or act of not cooperating. Ludwig examples show its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

20%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "being uncooperative" is a grammatically correct and commonly used gerund phrase that describes a lack of willingness to collaborate or assist. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in various contexts. While its register is generally neutral, careful word choice is advised for maintaining a professional tone in formal documents. Alternatives like "not cooperating" or "refusing to collaborate" can provide more specific meanings depending on the situation. With a high expert rating and frequent usage across authoritative sources, this phrase remains a reliable way to express a lack of cooperation. The term appears most frequently in news and media sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not cooperating

Directly states the absence of cooperation.

refusing to collaborate

Emphasizes the unwillingness to work together.

being difficult

Indicates a challenging or obstructive attitude.

obstructing progress

Highlights the act of hindering advancement.

non-compliant behavior

Formal term for not following rules or requests.

showing resistance

Suggests active opposition to cooperation.

taking a defiant stance

Implies a deliberate and challenging attitude.

failing to assist

Focuses on the lack of help provided.

proving recalcitrant

Highlights resistance to authority or control.

remaining inflexible

Underscores an unwillingness to adapt or compromise.

FAQs

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

You can use "being uncooperative" to describe someone's behavior, for example: "The project failed because the lead developer was "being uncooperative" and refused to share the code".

What are some alternatives to "being uncooperative"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "not cooperating", "being difficult", or "refusing to collaborate".

Is it correct to say "being uncooperative" or "is uncooperative"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct but have different meanings. "Being uncooperative" describes a behavior, while "is uncooperative" describes a state of existence or a characteristic. For example: "His being uncooperative delayed the project", versus "He is uncooperative by nature".

What is the difference between "being uncooperative" and "being unhelpful"?

"Being uncooperative" implies a refusal to work with others or follow instructions, while "being unhelpful" suggests a lack of assistance or support. Someone "being unhelpful" may still be willing to cooperate, but simply lacks the ability or resources to assist.