is not desirable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is not desirable" is correct and usable in written English and it is usually used to indicate that something is not desirable or desired.
For example, "Engaging in a relationship with someone who is already married is not desirable."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"When things go awry total secrecy is not desirable.

The Guardian

For Dowling, however, the local option is not desirable enough.

The Washington Post

The breed is not desirable for wool production.

Britannica

Such a situation is not desirable for devoted Muslim namazis.

The New York Times

The discontinuous control action is not desirable for practical applications.

IFAC-PapersOnLine

This is not desirable when thirty to a hundred million dollars are at stake.

MIT Technology Review

This method is not desirable for large-scale production because of the excessive cost.

Nature

"It is not desirable for Gorbachev to call it off," the official said.

The New York Times

It is not desirable but it works as a stop gap.

The New York Times

Eternity is not desirable because it's not part of our common lot".

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

It is not desirable that such a procedure is performed by multiple surgeons.

European Journal of Cancer, Supplement

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is not desirable", consider the context and audience. While generally acceptable, it can sometimes sound passive. Active voice alternatives, like "avoid this" or "this creates problems", might be more impactful.

Common error

Avoid overuse of passive voice constructions like "is not desirable" in contexts where a direct, active voice statement would be clearer and more engaging. Instead of saying "This outcome is not desirable", consider "We should avoid this outcome" to make your writing more direct and impactful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is not desirable" functions as a predicative adjective phrase. Ludwig AI confirms its role in describing a subject as unwanted or unfavorable. It typically follows a linking verb (is) and modifies the preceding noun or pronoun.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

48%

News & Media

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is not desirable" is a versatile expression used to convey that something is unwanted or unfavorable. According to Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and frequently appears in diverse contexts such as science, news, and formal business settings. While appropriate for most situations, consider using more active voice alternatives for greater impact. Keep in mind the register is generally neutral leaning towards formal. By understanding its nuances, you can effectively use "is not desirable" to express disapproval or caution in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is unfavorable

Replaces 'desirable' with 'favorable', maintaining a similar level of formality and negative connotation.

is unwelcome

Substitutes 'desirable' with 'welcome', implying something is not well-received or appreciated.

is disadvantageous

Changes the phrase to focus on the drawbacks or negative consequences of something.

is inadvisable

Indicates that a certain action or situation is not recommended due to potential risks or negative outcomes.

is not recommended

Offers a more direct way of saying something should be avoided; less formal than "is inadvisable".

is far from ideal

Emphasizes the imperfection or sub-optimality of a situation, while maintaining a polite and indirect tone.

is something to avoid

Provides a clear and action-oriented alternative, suitable for instructional or cautionary contexts.

is better avoided

Similar to the above, this version puts a stronger emphasis that avoiding that thing is the better option.

poses a problem

Shifts the focus to the problematic nature of something rather than directly stating its undesirability.

is not advantageous

Replaces 'desirable' with 'advantageous', suggesting a lack of benefit or utility.

FAQs

What does "is not desirable" mean?

The phrase "is not desirable" means that something is unwanted, unfavorable, or likely to cause problems. It suggests that a particular outcome or situation should be avoided.

What can I say instead of "is not desirable"?

You can use alternatives like "is unfavorable", "is unwelcome", or "is disadvantageous" depending on the context.

Is "is not desirable" formal or informal?

The phrase "is not desirable" is generally considered neutral to formal. It's appropriate for academic, professional, and general writing. More informal alternatives might include phrases like "not a good idea".

How to use "is not desirable" in a sentence?

You can use "is not desirable" to express that a particular action, situation, or outcome should be avoided. For example, "Continued transcription past the end of a gene "is not desirable"."