held in low esteem

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "held in low esteem" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something that is regarded with little respect or admiration. Example: "Despite his achievements, he was often held in low esteem by his peers due to his arrogant behavior."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

34 human-written examples

These are currently low-skill, low-paid jobs, done mostly by women, held in low esteem.

The Guardian - Opinion

But in America they tend to be held in low esteem, particularly at state level.

The Economist

WASHINGTON — They may be held in low esteem around the nation, but the country's largest banks still wield considerable influence in Washington.

The New York Times

Programmed-music companies are generally held in low esteem by music nerds — even lower than a tight-playlisted, payola-taking corporate radio station.

The New Yorker

The artisanal, mass-produced nature of such images, plus their association with death and its pollutions, long caused them to be held in low esteem in China itself.

The New York Times - Arts

It was here that he had suffered some of life's early humiliations: taunted by classmates for his apparent dimwittedness; held in low esteem by his teachers.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

22 human-written examples

Probably, though, this is doomed to be a show about unimaginatively drawn characters in a business that the public already holds in low esteem.

The New York Times - Arts

Barney Frank is allied with Mr. Paulson and a president he holds in low esteem because he, too, believes this is a step the country has to take.

The New York Times

The burst of legislating comes just four months before the November elections, giving lawmakers achievements to show off to voters who have increasingly held Congress in low esteem.

Huffington Post

The fringe Reformation movements held ordination in low esteem and permitted laymen to be ministers: leaders such as Caspar Schwenckfeld (1489 1561) and Konrad Grebel (c. 1498 1526) were probably never ordained.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Critics of strong social convictions in the West also generally hold him in low esteem.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing, consider the subject matter. If it's about societal perceptions or historical views, "held in low esteem" can add nuance. For contemporary issues, ensure it reflects current perspectives accurately.

Common error

Avoid using "held in low esteem" when a stronger term like "despised" or "hated" is more appropriate. "Held in low esteem" implies a lack of respect or value, not necessarily intense dislike.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "held in low esteem" functions as a descriptive phrase, often used to characterize the way a particular entity (person, profession, idea, etc.) is perceived by a group or society. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is correct and usable in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Encyclopedias

16%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "held in low esteem" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe something or someone that lacks respect or value in the eyes of others. As indicated by Ludwig AI, it is a usable phrase in written English. Analysis of various sources shows frequent use in news, encyclopedias and science, which also explains it's register as neutral. Remember to consider the context and avoid using stronger terms if they're more appropriate, and to check out "held in low regard", "looked down upon", or "poorly thought of" as alternative to this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

held in low regard

Synonymous, but uses 'regard' instead of 'esteem'.

poorly thought of

A more informal way of expressing the same concept.

looked down upon

Suggests a sense of superiority from the observer, differing slightly from a general lack of esteem.

disrespected

A more direct and forceful way of saying "held in low esteem".

regarded with disdain

Implies a stronger feeling of contempt than "held in low esteem".

not highly valued

Focuses on the lack of value rather than the lack of respect.

viewed unfavorably

Indicates a negative opinion, but not necessarily a lack of respect.

held in contempt

Implies a stronger feeling of scorn and disapproval.

not appreciated

Highlights the lack of gratitude or recognition.

underestimated

Focuses on the lack of recognition of someone's abilities or worth.

FAQs

How can I use "held in low esteem" in a sentence?

You can use "held in low esteem" to describe something that is not well-regarded. For example: "Professions like street cleaning were once "held in low esteem", but are now recognized as essential."

What can I say instead of "held in low esteem"?

You can use alternatives like "held in low regard", "looked down upon", or "poorly thought of" depending on the context.

Is it more appropriate to say "held in low esteem" or "held in low regard"?

Both "held in low esteem" and "held in low regard" are correct and have very similar meanings. The choice often depends on personal preference or the specific tone you want to convey.

What's the difference between "held in low esteem" and "despised"?

"Held in low esteem" suggests a lack of respect or value, while "despised" implies a strong feeling of dislike or hatred. Despising something is a much stronger sentiment than simply holding it in low esteem.