is indisposed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is indisposed" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that someone is unable to attend or participate due to illness or other reasons. Example: "I'm sorry, but the speaker is indisposed and will not be able to join us today."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Her subject, she says, is indisposed.

The New York Times - Books

The company will say only that she is "indisposed".

The New York Times

"President Obama would have loved to see President Mandela, but he is indisposed," said Maite Nkoane Mashebane, South Africa's minister of international relations, according to Agence France-Presse.

The New York Times

For the same reason, Garrett knows he could be throwing passes if Collins is indisposed after being sacked once too often.

The New York Times - Sports

Not until she had passed away did he reveal, in The Oldie, how he fielded calls of commiseration to "Dove" Cooper from fellow comics such as Eric Morecambe, Michael Parkinson, Barry Cryer and Ronnie Barker, assuming a butler-like tone to tell them: "Mrs Cooper is indisposed".

The Guardian

And then you just tell everyone, "The PM is indisposed".

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

The devil, on that afternoon, was indisposed.

The Guardian

But on this occasion, both Miranda and Muñoz were indisposed.

The New Yorker

Maid announced mistress was indisposed, having executive ability.

The New Yorker

As Gualtiero, Francisco Almanza, a young tenor, was a late substitute for Bruce Fowler, who was indisposed.

The New York Times - Arts

Bausch was billed to perform in Café Müller, but in the event was indisposed.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is indisposed" when you want to politely and formally indicate that someone is temporarily unable to fulfill their duties due to illness or personal reasons. It's particularly suitable for professional or official communications.

Common error

Avoid using "is indisposed" in casual conversation. It can sound overly formal or even pretentious. Simpler phrases like "is not feeling well" or "is sick" are more appropriate for informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is indisposed" functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate a state of temporary unavailability due to illness or other reasons. Ludwig AI confirms its use in formal contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is indisposed" is a polite and formal way of indicating that someone is temporarily unavailable due to illness or personal reasons. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and commonly used in formal contexts like news and media. While "is indisposed" is appropriate for professional and official communications, it's best to avoid it in casual conversations where simpler phrases would be more suitable. Related alternatives include "is unwell", "is unavailable", and "is not feeling well". The usage examples and context analysis suggest that this phrase is most frequently encountered in news reporting and formal announcements.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is indisposed due to illness

Adds specificity by directly stating the reason for being indisposed is illness.

is unwell

This alternative indicates a state of not being in good health, similar to being indisposed.

is under the weather

This phrase is a more informal way of saying someone is slightly ill.

is not feeling well

This is a straightforward and common way to express that someone is sick.

is unavailable

This alternative focuses on the person's lack of availability rather than the reason.

is out of sorts

This phrase suggests a slight discomfort or mild illness.

is not up to it

This indicates a lack of energy or willingness to perform a task.

is unable to attend

Focuses on the inability to be present, without specifying the reason.

is otherwise engaged

A more formal way of saying someone is busy or occupied, sometimes used euphemistically.

is taking sick leave

This indicates a formal absence from work due to illness.

FAQs

How to use "is indisposed" in a sentence?

You can use "is indisposed" to politely explain someone's absence or inability to perform a task due to illness or other reasons. For example, "The speaker "is indisposed" and cannot attend the meeting."

What can I say instead of "is indisposed"?

You can use alternatives like "is unwell", "is unavailable", or "is not feeling well" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "is indisposed"?

It is appropriate to use "is indisposed" in formal or professional settings when you want to politely convey that someone is temporarily unable to fulfill their duties due to illness or personal reasons. It is less common in informal conversation.

What is the difference between "is indisposed" and "is sick"?

"Is sick" is a more direct and informal way of saying someone is not well. "Is indisposed" is a more formal and polite way of indicating that someone is temporarily unable to perform their duties, often implying a temporary illness or other personal issue.