is not receptive

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is not receptive" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something that is not open to new ideas, suggestions, or influences. Example: "Despite the team's efforts to present new strategies, the management is not receptive to change."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

"If the person is not receptive and is not willing to be coherent all of the training in the world will fail".

The Economist

Much of the criticism came from the political right, which is not receptive to the notion of the government's propping up news media organizations with higher taxes.

The New York Times

Tatiana writes an honest letter to Pushkin's snottish Eugene Onegin: he is not receptive to her declaration of love, but you have to admire her chutzpah for making it.

The Guardian - Books

Shaunessy McNeely, a 21-year-old nursing student, who attended Riverside Baptist Church here, said she could not help noticing that politicians mostly like to preach to the choir and keep quiet if they think an audience is not receptive.

The New York Times

My conversations with Sunnis convince me that the community is not receptive to extremist ideas of the al-Qaida variety and looks towards Baghdad, the centre, for resources and leadership.

The Guardian - Opinion

In other words, both appear to be part of a social phenomenon that has already swept aside dictators in Tunisia and Egypt, leaving behind new tensions and new freedoms — an atmosphere that, possibly, is not receptive to Al Qaeda's lethal clarion call.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

They also know the best routes back again there if the audience isn't receptive.

The Guardian - Opinion

Today's risk-averse environment isn't receptive to startups of any kind.

Forbes

If she isn't receptive -- ask for a different technician.

Huffington Post

With use of natural insemination, the bull will know when she will stand to breed and when she isn't receptive.

WikiHow

Record labels were not receptive, though.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is not receptive", consider the specific context to ensure the phrase accurately conveys the intended meaning. It's most effective when describing a resistance to new ideas, suggestions, or influences. For example, "The team presented innovative ideas, but the management is not receptive to change."

Common error

Avoid using "is not receptive" in extremely formal or academic writing where more precise or nuanced language might be preferred. Consider using alternatives like "unresponsive", "unpersuadable", or "resistant" to convey a more sophisticated tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is not receptive" functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to describe a lack of openness or willingness to accept new ideas, suggestions, or influences. This aligns with Ludwig's analysis and the provided examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is not receptive" is a grammatically sound and relatively common way to describe a lack of openness or willingness to accept new ideas or influences. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is suitable for a variety of contexts, particularly news and media, science, and general writing. While generally neutral in tone, careful consideration should be given to the specific context to ensure the phrase accurately reflects the intended meaning, possibly opting for alternatives like "is not open" or "is not responsive" where appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is not open

A simpler and more direct way of expressing a lack of openness.

is not responsive

Highlights a lack of reaction or answer to something.

is not open-minded

Implies a resistance to considering different viewpoints or ideas.

is not amenable

Suggests a lack of willingness to be persuaded or controlled.

is not sensitive

Focuses on a lack of emotional or physical responsiveness.

is not supportive

Implies a lack of encouragement or assistance.

is not receiving

Focuses on the inability to take something in, like a signal or message.

is not vulnerable

Emphasizes a lack of susceptibility to harm or influence.

is not attentive

Suggests a lack of focus or careful observation.

is not transparent

Indicates a lack of clarity or openness in communication or behavior.

FAQs

What does "is not receptive" mean?

The phrase "is not receptive" means someone or something is unwilling or unable to receive new ideas, suggestions, or influences. It indicates a lack of openness or willingness to consider alternative perspectives.

How can I use "is not receptive" in a sentence?

You can use "is not receptive" to describe someone's attitude or a situation's openness. For example: "The audience "is not receptive" to complex arguments", or "The market "is not receptive" to new products during a recession."

What are some alternatives to "is not receptive"?

Alternatives to "is not receptive" include phrases like "is not open", "is not responsive", or "is not amenable". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "is not receptive" and "is not responsive"?

"Is not receptive" implies a general unwillingness to accept or consider something new. "Is not responsive" suggests a lack of reaction or feedback to a specific stimulus or action. For example, someone "is not receptive" to advice might ignore it completely, while someone is not responsive to medication might show no improvement in their condition.