hostile relationship

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "hostile relationship" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a relationship characterized by antagonism, conflict, or animosity between individuals or groups. Example: "The two countries have maintained a hostile relationship for decades, marked by frequent diplomatic tensions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Her hostile relationship with the police is evidence of that.

The Guardian - Opinion

"We had an incredibly hostile relationship with the landlord.

The Guardian - Arts

It often produces a hostile relationship where no previous relationship existed.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Left unresolved, that hostile relationship negatively affects the welfare of both.

Encyclopedia Britannica

This hostile relationship is ingrained in the very language of pixação.

The Guardian

The vote is made tougher for Democrats by the unions' increasingly hostile relationship with the administration.

The New York Times

Many documents pertain to the hostile relationship between France and England, largely acted out at sea and in the colonies.

Cornell University

The episode is the latest round in what is seen as an increasingly hostile relationship between airlines and passengers.

The New York Times

It is time to move to a policy of containment, which would mean a more hostile relationship.

The New York Times

Mr. Jumblatt, like many others here, acknowledged that tiny Lebanon cannot afford to have a hostile relationship with Syria.

The New York Times

"It's not the U.S. policy to advocate or promote a hostile relationship between Iraq and Iran," the new U.S. ambassador to Iraq, Zalmay Khalilzad, said Wednesday.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing international relations, use "hostile relationship" to accurately depict a state of conflict or tension. For example, "The two nations have a long history of a "hostile relationship", marked by border disputes and trade wars."

Common error

While "hostile relationship" is appropriate in many contexts, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. Consider using synonyms like "antagonistic relationship" or "adversarial relationship" to add variety and nuance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hostile relationship" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject, object, or complement in a sentence. It describes a connection marked by antagonism and conflict. Ludwig AI confirms the correct usage of this phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "hostile relationship" is a common and grammatically correct term used to describe interactions characterized by antagonism, conflict, or animosity. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's used across a range of contexts, especially in news, academic, and encyclopedia sources. When writing, it's helpful to consider synonyms like "antagonistic relationship" or "contentious relationship" to avoid repetition and add nuance. Be aware of the subtle differences in meaning between these terms to ensure your writing accurately reflects the nature of the relationship you're describing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

antagonistic relationship

Replaces "hostile" with a synonym emphasizing active opposition.

adversarial relationship

Highlights the competitive and conflicting nature of the relationship.

contentious relationship

Focuses on the tendency of the relationship to involve disputes and arguments.

strained relationship

Indicates tension and difficulty in the relationship.

difficult relationship

A more general term for a problematic connection.

unfriendly relationship

Emphasizes the lack of warmth and goodwill.

negative relationship

A broad term indicating an unfavorable connection.

discordant relationship

Stresses the lack of harmony and agreement.

fractious relationship

Highlights the tendency for the relationship to be unruly and disruptive.

combative relationship

Emphasizes the readiness to fight or argue.

FAQs

What are some synonyms for "hostile relationship"?

Some synonyms for "hostile relationship" include "antagonistic relationship", "adversarial relationship", or "contentious relationship". The best choice depends on the specific context.

How does a "hostile relationship" differ from a "strained relationship"?

While both terms describe a negative dynamic, a "hostile relationship" implies active animosity and conflict, whereas a "strained relationship" suggests tension and difficulty, but not necessarily open aggression.

In what contexts is it appropriate to use the term "hostile relationship"?

The term "hostile relationship" is appropriate when describing situations characterized by antagonism, conflict, or animosity. This could apply to international relations, personal relationships, or even the relationship between different departments within a company.

What are some common causes of a "hostile relationship"?

Common causes of a "hostile relationship" can include conflicting interests, past grievances, lack of communication, or power struggles. Addressing these underlying issues is crucial for resolving the hostility and improving the relationship.