domineering

USAGE SUMMARY

'domineering' is correct and usable in written English.
It is an adjective that means behaving in a way that shows you have power over someone and expect them to do what you want. For example, "The new manager has a domineering approach to his team, always expecting quick and perfect results."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They are kept in line by the dominant – often domineering – figure of Lafontaine.

The Guardian - Opinion

Seeing the lads leering in that domineering row at the front of the stage like they used to sounds tempting.

The Guardian - Music

Her image is of a domineering matron of rigid moral standards, but in practice, she was more easygoing than that.

The Guardian

It's a masterpiece of short-form tension – a confluence of sound and image so viscerally evocative it feels almost domineering.

The Guardian - Opinion

Perhaps Liam isn't the colossal arse he once was, and the others find the absence of Noel's domineering presence like a waft of sea air.

The Guardian - Music

The 20-minute, surreally comic film is about a man, W, coming to terms with the death of his domineering mother, only to discover she's happily spending her death in a nice flat in Crouch End, north London.

The Guardian - Film

During his years with Real Madrid, an increasingly tubby but still marvellously effective Puskas struck up a famous partnership with the Argentine centre-forward, the domineering Alfredo Di Stefano.

The Guardian - Sport

One caller on a Kenyan radio talk show called Nigerians "wordy, needy and domineering".

The Economist

Unlike other European leaders, she is neither charismatic, nor flashily intellectual, nor domineering.

The Economist

Those who have clashed with her, and some of those who have not, describe her as obstinate, abrasive, quick-tempered, opinionated, domineering.

The Economist

But the cable infrastructure required costly upgrades, and Ma Bell's domineering ways clashed with the cable firms' culture of co-operation.Barely a year later, as the stockmarket turned on telecoms firms, AT&T faced a debt crisis.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a person, consider if "domineering" accurately captures the essence of their behavior. It implies a negative and forceful control, so ensure it aligns with your intended meaning.

Common error

Avoid using "domineering" when a more neutral term like "assertive" or "leadership" would be more appropriate. "Domineering" carries a negative connotation and should only be used when describing behavior that is truly oppressive or controlling.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "domineering" is as an adjective, modifying nouns to describe someone or something that exerts excessive control or authority. As Ludwig AI explains, it describes behaving in a way that shows power over someone and expecting compliance.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The adjective "domineering" describes someone or something that exerts excessive control or authority. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the term is grammatically correct and carries a negative connotation, implying an oppressive or authoritarian manner. It is frequently encountered in news and media, science, and formal business contexts. While alternatives like "authoritarian", "overbearing", and "controlling" exist, "domineering" specifically highlights the oppressive aspect of control. Therefore, use "domineering" judiciously, ensuring it accurately reflects the intended meaning and negative sentiment.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

authoritarian

Focuses more on the system or style of leadership, emphasizing strict obedience to authority.

overbearing

Stresses the oppressive or overwhelming nature of someone's behavior.

controlling

Highlights the act of directing and manipulating others' actions.

bossy

Implies a tendency to give orders and be assertive, often in a petty or annoying way.

dictatorial

Suggests absolute and oppressive control, similar to a dictator.

autocratic

Emphasizes ruling with unlimited power and without consulting others.

imperious

Suggests a haughty and arrogant manner in giving orders.

high-handed

Indicates an arrogant and overbearing way of dealing with others.

tyrannical

Implies cruel and oppressive use of power.

assertive

While not always negative, it can imply being overly forceful in expressing one's opinions or needs.

FAQs

How to use "domineering" in a sentence?

You can use "domineering" to describe someone who exerts excessive control over others. For example, "The manager's domineering personality stifled creativity within the team."

What can I say instead of "domineering"?

You can use alternatives like "authoritarian", "overbearing", or "controlling" depending on the context.

What's the difference between "domineering" and "assertive"?

"Domineering" implies a forceful and often oppressive control over others, while "assertive" refers to confidently expressing one's opinions or needs without necessarily controlling others. Assertiveness is generally viewed as a positive trait, while being domineering is typically negative.

Is "domineering" a positive or negative trait?

"Domineering" is generally considered a negative trait, as it implies an excessive and often oppressive control over others, suppressing their autonomy and creativity.