does not sit well

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "does not sit well" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to express discomfort or disagreement with a situation, idea, or decision. Example: "The new policy does not sit well with many employees, as they feel it undermines their work-life balance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That does not sit well with Sorenstam.

The New York Times - Sports

That does not sit well with me".

The Guardian

This argument does not sit well with the opposition.

The New York Times

That also does not sit well with some members.

The New York Times - Sports

This does not sit well with urban builders.

The New York Times

Understandably, the offensive term does not sit well with him.

The Guardian

This view does not sit well in my world.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

That proposal does not sit well with some auditors.

The New York Times

That argument does not sit well with David E. Brunori.

The New York Times

But that argument does not sit well with some members of the entertainment industry.

The New York Times

Short-circuiting the justice system in this way does not sit well with everybody.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To further emphasize the negative connotation of "does not sit well", pair it with descriptive adverbs such as "particularly", "especially", or "very", for a greater impact.

Common error

While "does not sit well" is widely understood, it can sometimes sound too informal for academic or highly professional writing. Consider using more formal alternatives like "is unacceptable" or "is not conducive to" in those settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "does not sit well" functions as an idiomatic expression used to indicate that something is disagreeable, unacceptable, or causes discomfort. It often conveys a subjective reaction to a situation or idea. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and frequent usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

7%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "does not sit well" is a versatile phrase used to express unease, disapproval, or disagreement. Ludwig AI confirms its proper and common usage across diverse contexts, particularly in news and media. While generally neutral in tone, writers should be mindful of opting for more formal alternatives in academic or highly professional settings. The phrase effectively communicates a subjective negative sentiment, making it a valuable tool in everyday language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is disagreeable

Highlights the unpleasant or objectionable quality of something.

is unacceptable

Emphasizes that something is not allowable or tolerable.

is difficult to accept

Stresses the struggle to come to terms with something.

is not acceptable

Emphasizes the impermissibility of something.

is unagreeable

Emphasizes the lack of consensus or harmony.

is hard to swallow

Indicates that something is difficult to accept or believe.

is unpalatable

Focuses on the unpleasant or unacceptable nature of something.

provokes disapproval

Highlights that something causes an unfavorable opinion.

causes discontent

Focuses on the generation of dissatisfaction or unhappiness.

arouses opposition

Highlights the act of causing resistance or disagreement.

FAQs

What does "does not sit well" mean?

The phrase "does not sit well" means that something is not pleasing, agreeable, or acceptable to someone. It often implies a sense of discomfort, unease, or disapproval.

How can I use "does not sit well" in a sentence?

You can use "does not sit well" to express your negative reaction to a situation, idea, or action. For example: "The new policy "does not sit well" with the employees" or "His explanation "does not sit well" with the evidence".

What can I say instead of "does not sit well"?

Alternatives to "does not sit well" include phrases like "is unacceptable", "is disagreeable", "is hard to swallow", or "provokes disapproval". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is "does not sit well with" the same as "does not agree with"?

While both phrases express a form of disagreement, "does not sit well with" typically implies a stronger emotional or intuitive rejection. "Does not agree with" is often used in more objective or factual contexts, whereas "does not sit well with" suggests a feeling of discomfort or unease that is harder to define logically.