hostile environment

USAGE SUMMARY

"hostile environment" is an acceptable phrase to use in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation where people are treated in a hostile, unfriendly, or negative way. For example: "The employees have been increasingly dissatisfied with their working conditions due to the hostile environment created by their supervisor."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Hostile environment.

The Guardian

It's a hostile environment.

The New York Times - Sports

"Politics is a hostile environment full stop.

The Guardian

It's a pretty hostile environment".

The Guardian - Music

It creates a hostile environment.

The Guardian

"It's a hostile environment," Mr. Scorca said.

The New York Times - Arts

"It'll be a hostile environment," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

"We are a hostile environment," Downing said.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

This is very important in today's business-hostile environment.

Journal of Innovation and Entrepreneurship

"Hostile-environment policies are deeply problematic," she said.

The Guardian

What is the 'hostile environment' policy?

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing workplace issues, use "hostile environment" to accurately depict situations involving harassment or discrimination. This term carries legal weight and helps clarify the severity of the situation.

Common error

Avoid using "hostile environment" to describe minor disagreements or inconveniences. Overusing the phrase dilutes its impact and can trivialize genuine instances of harassment or discrimination. Consider using milder terms like "unpleasant" or "challenging" for less severe situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hostile environment" functions as a noun phrase, often used as a subject complement or direct object. It describes a setting characterized by antagonism or adversity. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically sound and appropriate for use in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "hostile environment" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to describe adverse or unfriendly conditions. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for written English. Its usage spans various contexts, particularly in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business settings. When using this phrase, ensure it accurately reflects the severity of the situation, avoiding overuse in minor disagreements. Alternatives such as "unfriendly atmosphere" or "negative climate" can be used depending on the specific context. The phrase carries considerable weight, especially in legal and workplace discussions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unfriendly atmosphere

Focuses on the atmosphere being not welcoming.

negative atmosphere

Highlights the negativity present in the environment.

unpleasant situation

Shifts the focus to the situation being disagreeable.

difficult circumstances

Emphasizes the challenging nature of the conditions.

challenging environment

Stresses the difficulties posed by the surrounding conditions.

aggressive climate

Implies a more active and confrontational atmosphere.

toxic atmosphere

Suggests the environment is harmful and damaging.

adverse conditions

Highlights the unfavorable nature of the conditions.

contentious atmosphere

Highlights the presence of conflict and disagreement.

negative climate

Focuses on the overall unfavorable conditions.

FAQs

How can I use "hostile environment" in a sentence?

You can use "hostile environment" to describe a setting where individuals experience harassment, intimidation, or discrimination. For example, "The company was sued for creating a "hostile environment" for its female employees".

What are some alternatives to "hostile environment"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "unfriendly atmosphere", "negative climate", or "toxic atmosphere".

In what contexts is the term "hostile environment" most commonly used?

The phrase "hostile environment" is frequently used in discussions about workplace harassment, legal disputes, and environmental science to describe conditions that are difficult or dangerous.

What makes a situation qualify as a "hostile environment"?

A situation typically qualifies as a "hostile environment" when the behavior is pervasive, severe, and creates an intimidating, offensive, or abusive atmosphere, affecting a person's ability to perform their job or function normally.