is off-putting

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is off-putting" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that causes a feeling of dislike or discomfort. Example: "The strong smell of the fish market is off-putting to many visitors."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

The New Yorker

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Is it not condescending to suggest that work created before their time is off-putting or uninteresting to young people?

Forbes

Don't pass any judgement on their choices; this is off-putting for everyone, and teens won't warm to you if you put off a judgmental vibe.

WikiHow

Initially, this tangled technique is off-putting.

The New York Times - Books

But his joy is off-putting because it seems unmotivated.

The New York Times

"The other thing that is off-putting is HMRC's attitude.

Independent

Just the big headline fee is off-putting.

The Guardian

But again, the paperwork alone is off-putting.

The Guardian

The word itself is off-putting to some.

The Guardian - Opinion

There's no doubt the subscription model is off-putting.

The Guardian - Tech

The spectacle of a commercial enterprise so immodestly celebrating itself is off-putting and intellectually discomfiting.

The New York Times - Arts

Kelly's persona is off-putting, but it is hard not to be taken by his talent.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider your audience when using the phrase "is off-putting". In some contexts, more direct language might be more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid simply stating that something "is off-putting" without providing supporting details. This can weaken your point and leave the reader unconvinced. Always explain the reasons behind your assessment.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is off-putting" functions as a predicate adjective, describing a subject and indicating that it causes a negative or aversive reaction. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is a correct and usable expression in English. For instance, Ludwig provides the example, "The strong smell of the fish market is off-putting to many visitors."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

4%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is off-putting" functions as a predicate adjective used to describe something that elicits a negative or aversive reaction. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage. The phrase commonly appears in news and media, and although it maintains a neutral register, its deployment requires contextual awareness to ensure the communication remains effective and relevant to the audience. Alternatives such as "is unappealing" or "is distasteful" offer similar meanings with slight variations in connotation, while avoiding unsupported assertions about the reasons why something is off-putting ensures clarity and credibility in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is unappealing

Focuses on the lack of attraction or desirability.

is unattractive

Emphasizes a lack of physical or aesthetic appeal.

is distasteful

Highlights a sense of unpleasantness or revulsion.

is repellent

Stresses the act of causing disgust or aversion.

is discouraging

Emphasizes the effect of causing someone to lose enthusiasm.

is unsettling

Highlights the act of causing nervousness or anxiety.

is disconcerting

Focuses on causing confusion or unease.

is irritating

Highlights the act of causing annoyance or frustration.

is vexing

Emphasizes the act of causing frustration or annoyance.

is bothersome

Focuses on causing trouble or inconvenience.

FAQs

How can I use "is off-putting" in a sentence?

The phrase "is off-putting" is used to describe something that creates a negative or unpleasant impression. For example, "His rude behavior "is off-putting" to potential clients".

What are some alternatives to "is off-putting"?

You can use alternatives like "is unappealing", "is distasteful", or "is unattractive" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "is off-putting"?

It's appropriate when you want to express that something creates a negative or aversive feeling. However, be mindful of your audience and consider whether a more direct or less euphemistic term would be more suitable.

What's the difference between "is off-putting" and "is offensive"?

"Is off-putting" implies a general sense of dislike or discomfort, while "is offensive" suggests something causes hurt feelings or violates social norms. Something that "is offensive" is more serious than something that ""is off-putting"".