feel unwelcome

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "feel unwelcome" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a sense of not being accepted or valued in a particular environment or situation. Example: "After the comments made during the meeting, I couldn't help but feel unwelcome in the group."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It really hurt my feelings and made me feel unwelcome.

Vice

"Many students feel unwelcome.

The Guardian

"They feel unwelcome here".

The Guardian

It often makes visitors feel unwelcome.

The Economist

Maybe the fence makes him feel unwelcome.

The New York Times

Make "them" feel unwelcome and worthless.

The Guardian - Opinion

I never feel unwelcome, but I do feel strange.

The New York Times - Magazine

Is it an attempt to make immigrants feel unwelcome?

The Economist

But they aren't the only ones who feel unwelcome here.

The Guardian

"Today, it is Muslim Australians who may feel unwelcome.

The Guardian

In other places, such a family might feel unwelcome.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience and purpose when using "feel unwelcome". In formal writing, provide specific examples or context to support the claim. In informal writing, focus on expressing the personal experience.

Common error

Don't make broad statements about a place or group making everyone "feel unwelcome" without providing concrete evidence or specific instances. Focus on individual experiences or trends supported by data to maintain credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "feel unwelcome" functions as a verb phrase where "feel" is a linking verb expressing a state of being, and "unwelcome" is an adjective describing that state. Ludwig shows that it describes a subjective experience of not being accepted or valued. It reflects how someone perceives their environment or treatment by others.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Science

20%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "feel unwelcome" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to express a personal sense of exclusion or lack of acceptance. According to Ludwig, the phrase is used in various contexts, from news reports to personal blogs, with a neutral register. While it's crucial to provide context and specific examples to support the feeling, overgeneralizations should be avoided. Alternatives like "feel excluded" or "feel out of place" can be used depending on the specific nuance to be conveyed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

feel excluded

Expresses a direct feeling of being left out or not included.

feel alienated

Conveys a sense of estrangement or detachment from one's surroundings or peers.

feel out of place

Indicates a feeling of not belonging or fitting in a particular environment.

feel marginalized

Suggests a feeling of being pushed to the edges or treated as insignificant.

feel rejected

Expresses the direct feeling of being turned down or not accepted.

feel uncomfortable

Highlights a general sense of unease or awkwardness in a situation.

feel isolated

Focuses on the feeling of being alone or separated from others.

feel like an outsider

Emphasizes the perception of not being part of a group or community.

feel estranged

Implies a more profound disconnection, often from family or close relationships.

feel left out

Simply indicates a feeling of being omitted or not included in an activity or event.

FAQs

How can I use "feel unwelcome" in a sentence?

You can use "feel unwelcome" to describe a situation where someone experiences a lack of acceptance or belonging. For example, "New immigrants often "feel unwelcome" due to cultural differences and language barriers."

What's a more formal alternative to "feel unwelcome"?

In more formal contexts, consider using phrases like "experience a sense of exclusion" or "encounter a lack of hospitality". For instance, "Minority students may experience a sense of exclusion in certain academic environments."

What's the difference between "feel unwelcome" and "feel uncomfortable"?

"Feel unwelcome" suggests a sense of not being accepted or belonging, often due to external factors or actions by others. "Feel uncomfortable", on the other hand, indicates a general sense of unease or awkwardness, which could be due to various reasons, including internal factors or the environment. For example, one might "feel uncomfortable" in a crowded room, but "feel unwelcome" due to discriminatory remarks.

What can I say instead of "I feel unwelcome"?

Alternatives include "I feel excluded", "I feel out of place", or "I feel like an outsider". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey. You could say "I "feel excluded" from the conversation" or "I "feel out of place" at this event depending on the context.