increasingly hostile

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "increasingly hostile" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or environment that is becoming more aggressive or unfriendly over time. Example: "The negotiations took a turn for the worse as the discussions became increasingly hostile."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Yet business leaders were increasingly hostile.

Independent

It also seems increasingly hostile.

The Guardian

The two men have become increasingly hostile.

The New York Times

But the mood became increasingly hostile.

The Washington Post

His foreign policy is increasingly hostile toward the West.

The New Yorker

The political atmosphere was increasingly hostile to Western imports.

The New Yorker

FOR beleaguered smokers, the world is an increasingly hostile place.

The Economist

Mr Ackman's lengthy quest for Allergan had become increasingly hostile.

The Economist

Newspapers, which had campaigned vociferously for devolution, became increasingly hostile.

The Economist

The two have grown increasingly hostile to each other.

The New York Times

A number of the essays reflect Auerbach's responses to an increasingly hostile National Socialist environment.

Princeton University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "increasingly hostile" to describe situations where there is a clear upward trend in antagonism or aggression. For example, "The debate became increasingly hostile as participants resorted to personal attacks."

Common error

Avoid using "increasingly hostile" when the situation is only slightly tense or unfriendly. The phrase carries a strong connotation of escalating conflict and should be reserved for scenarios where there is genuine and growing animosity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "increasingly hostile" functions as an adverbial modifier that intensifies the adjective 'hostile'. It describes how something is becoming, denoting a gradual process or change towards greater animosity. Ludwig AI confirms this through numerous examples where the phrase modifies nouns describing environments, relationships, or attitudes.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Academia

19%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Science

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "increasingly hostile" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a situation or environment that is becoming more aggressive or unfriendly over time. As Ludwig AI confirms, it functions as an adverbial modifier and is used to emphasize a growing state of antagonism. While suitable for formal writing, its clear language makes it accessible across various contexts. When using this phrase, ensure that it accurately reflects a genuine escalation of animosity and avoid overuse in mildly tense situations. Consider alternatives like "growing animosity" or "escalating conflict" to fine-tune the nuance of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

growing animosity

Focuses on the development of animosity, highlighting the emotional aspect of the increasing hostility.

escalating conflict

Emphasizes the intensification of a conflict, suggesting a progression towards more overt aggression.

worsening relations

Highlights the deterioration of relationships between parties, indicating a move towards greater hostility.

deteriorating atmosphere

Focuses on the overall environment becoming more negative and unfriendly.

mounting antagonism

Stresses the accumulation of antagonistic feelings, suggesting a gradual increase in hostility.

intensifying aggression

Highlights the growing intensity of aggressive behavior or attitudes.

heightening tension

Focuses on the rise in tension between parties, indicating a move towards greater conflict.

becoming more belligerent

Describes a shift towards a more aggressive and combative stance.

turning adversarial

Indicates a shift towards an antagonistic and confrontational relationship.

growing unfriendly

A more general term indicating a decrease in friendliness, implying increasing hostility.

FAQs

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

Use "increasingly hostile" to describe a situation or relationship that is becoming more unfriendly or aggressive over time. For example: "The political climate became "increasingly hostile" in the months leading up to the election."

What are some alternatives to "increasingly hostile"?

You can use alternatives such as "growing animosity", "escalating conflict", or "worsening relations" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "increasingly hostile" in formal writing?

Yes, "increasingly hostile" is appropriate for formal writing, especially in news reports, academic papers, and business communications, where you need to describe a growing sense of antagonism or aggression.

What's the difference between "increasingly hostile" and "slightly unfriendly"?

"Increasingly hostile" describes a situation that is not just unfriendly, but one that is becoming more aggressive and antagonistic over time. "Slightly unfriendly" describes a mild, less intense level of discord. The first term implies a more serious and escalating situation, while the second implies a minor level of discomfort.