impossible to please

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "impossible to please" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is very difficult to satisfy or make happy, often in a context of frustration or disappointment. Example: "No matter what I do, it feels like my boss is impossible to please."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Damn editors, impossible to please.

The New Yorker

And Opal finds her impossible to please.

The New Yorker

"It's impossible to please everyone," he said.

The New York Times

It would be impossible to please everyone.

The Guardian - Books

Some guests are impossible to please.

The New York Times - Arts

Dora, 21 and single, is often angry and impossible to please.

The New Yorker

Yelp reminds great businesses every day that it's impossible to please everyone.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

The woman is a cold, imperious, impossible-to-please dowager for whom we have no compassion.

The New Yorker

His father, an impossible-to-please oil-company executive, also made a ham-fisted argument of his case to NASA officials.

The New Yorker

This was a sound clash, a reggae tradition in which teams of rival D.J.'s face off in front of an impossible-to-please crowd.

The New York Times - Arts

The opera's gestation period was tortured, even for the impossible-to-please Puccini, who went through five demoralized librettists in getting the work to the stage.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a person or situation as "impossible to please", provide specific examples to illustrate the reasons for their dissatisfaction or the unattainable standards they set.

Common error

While "impossible to please" is a useful idiom, avoid using it repeatedly in a single piece of writing. Vary your language with synonyms like "hard to satisfy" or "never content" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "impossible to please" functions as an adjective phrase describing a person or entity that is extremely difficult or incapable of being satisfied. It is commonly used to express frustration or resignation. Ludwig confirms its correct and widespread usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "impossible to please" is a commonly used phrase to describe someone who is very difficult or incapable of being satisfied. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and appears frequently in diverse contexts, especially in News & Media. While alternatives like "hard to satisfy" exist, "impossible to please" carries a stronger sense of frustration. When using this phrase, consider providing specific examples and avoiding overuse to maintain clarity and impact. Ludwig's analysis highlights the phrase's widespread usage and neutral register, making it a versatile addition to your vocabulary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hard to satisfy

This is a more direct and simpler way of saying "impossible to please", maintaining the core meaning.

never satisfied

This phrase emphasizes the constant state of dissatisfaction, highlighting the lack of contentment.

insatiable

This word describes someone who is never satisfied, focusing on their constant desire for more.

difficult to appease

Similar to "unappeasable", this highlights the challenge in pacifying someone.

unappeasable

This term suggests that someone cannot be pacified or placated, highlighting the futility of trying to satisfy them.

exacting

This word implies that someone has very high standards and is difficult to satisfy, focusing on their demanding nature.

fastidious

This suggests someone is very attentive to detail and difficult to please because of high standards concerning cleanliness or accuracy.

a tough crowd

This idiom is often used when referring to a group of people that are hard to please.

nit-picking

This term refers to focusing on minor details and imperfections, making it hard to satisfy the person.

always complaining

Describes a person who is constantly expressing dissatisfaction.

FAQs

How can I use "impossible to please" in a sentence?

You can use "impossible to please" to describe someone who is very difficult to satisfy. For example: "No matter what I do, my boss seems "impossible to please"."

What are some alternatives to "impossible to please"?

Some alternatives include "hard to satisfy", "never satisfied", or "difficult to appease" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "impossible to be pleased"?

While grammatically understandable, "impossible to be pleased" is less idiomatic and less common than ""impossible to please"". The latter is a more established and natural-sounding expression.

What's the difference between "impossible to please" and "difficult to satisfy"?

The phrases are very similar. "Impossible to please" emphasizes the hopelessness of satisfying someone, while "difficult to satisfy" simply highlights the challenge.