gender-neutral

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "gender-neutral" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe language, terms, or practices that do not specify a gender or are inclusive of all genders. Example: "Using gender-neutral language in job descriptions can help attract a more diverse pool of applicants."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

Lookism is gender-neutral.

The New York Times

Is Spidey's costume gender-neutral?

The New York Times

Oughtn't parenting be gender-neutral?

The New York Times

Restrooms in this hall are gender-neutral.

The New York Times

That would make them appear gender-neutral.

The New York Times

as a gender-neutral alternative to "Mr".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

"Gender neutral?

The New York Times

Promote a gender neutral face.

The Guardian

"Just be gender neutral," she said.

The New York Times

"Sports fans are gender neutral," she said.

The New York Times - Sports

Not sexism; that's a gender neutral word.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for inclusivity, use "gender-neutral" language in your documents, policies, and communications to avoid alienating or excluding individuals of any gender identity. For instance, replace gendered pronouns with gender-neutral alternatives like "they/them/their" when referring to a person whose gender is unknown or irrelevant.

Common error

Avoid using "gender-neutral" as a blanket term when specific gender considerations are relevant or necessary. For example, in medical contexts, certain treatments or conditions may primarily affect one gender, and using "gender-neutral" in such cases would be misleading and potentially harmful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "gender-neutral" functions primarily as an adjective, modifying nouns to indicate that something is not specifically associated with or biased towards any particular gender. Ludwig examples showcase its use in various contexts, such as describing language, facilities, or practices.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "gender-neutral" is an adjective phrase signifying applicability or availability to all genders, aiming to avoid gender-specific biases. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and commonly used. It appears frequently in contexts like "News & Media" and "Science", highlighting its relevance across various domains. When writing, using "gender-neutral" language promotes inclusivity but avoid overuse where gender specificity is needed. Related terms include "gender-inclusive", "non-gendered", and "unisex", each with subtle differences in emphasis. By understanding these nuances, writers can effectively communicate in a way that respects and includes individuals of all gender identities.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Gender-inclusive

Emphasizes inclusion of all genders, differing slightly by highlighting the proactive aspect of inclusion.

Sex-neutral

Very similar to gender-neutral, although 'sex' can refer specifically to biological sex rather than gender identity.

Non-gendered

Focuses on the absence of gender specification, a more direct synonym.

Genderless

Implies a complete lack of gender association, which might be stronger than intended in some contexts.

Unisex

Commonly used in fashion and products to indicate suitability for any gender.

All-gender

Directly indicates that something is for all genders.

Gender-free

Highlights the absence of gender restrictions or considerations.

Without gender distinction

A more descriptive phrase indicating the absence of gender-based differentiation.

Agender

Refers to not having a gender, which is conceptually related but applies more to identity.

Gender-fair

Emphasizes fairness and equality among genders.

FAQs

How can I use the term "gender-neutral" in a sentence?

You can use "gender-neutral" to describe something that is not specific to any particular gender. For example, "The company implemented "gender-neutral language" in its job postings to attract a wider range of candidates".

What's a good alternative to saying "gender-neutral"?

Depending on the context, you could use "gender-inclusive", "non-gendered", or "unisex" as alternatives to "gender-neutral".

Is it always appropriate to use "gender-neutral"?

While "gender-neutral" is generally a positive term, it may not be appropriate in all situations. In contexts where gender is a relevant factor, such as in discussions of gender inequality or specific health issues, it's important to acknowledge and address gender differences rather than using a "gender-blind" approach.

What are some examples of "gender-neutral" practices?

Examples of "gender-neutral" practices include using "gender-neutral pronouns" (like they/them), providing "gender-neutral bathrooms", and implementing "gender-neutral dress codes".