is undesirable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'is undesirable' is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is not desirable or to express disapproval, for example: His behavior is highly undesirable and must be addressed.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"And that is undesirable".

The New York Times

That is undesirable.

The Guardian

But passing with eight points is undesirable.

The New York Times

This is undesirable for two reasons.

The Guardian - Opinion

This is undesirable on many levels.

Harvard Business Review

This is undesirable in most cases.

Steels: Microstructure and Properties

However, for some tasks, this assumption is undesirable.

Cornell University

Sometimes a name substitution is undesirable or difficult to effect.

Encyclopedia Britannica

However, its time-dependent behaviour is undesirable in engineering applications.

Polymer Testing

This is undesirable in the modeling of computer experiments.

Journal of Statistical Planning and Inference

However, an oil/air supply with inadequate parameters is undesirable.

Precision Engineering

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is undesirable" to express a professional opinion about a process, decision, or outcome. It's appropriate for formal contexts, offering a direct yet nuanced way to convey disapproval or highlight negative aspects.

Common error

While "is undesirable" is grammatically sound, avoid using it in casual conversations. Opt for more relaxed alternatives like "not good" or "unwanted" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is undesirable" functions as a predicative adjective phrase. It typically follows a linking verb (is) to describe a subject, indicating that the subject possesses qualities that are unwanted or unfavorable. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

39%

News & Media

37%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "is undesirable" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase to express that something is unwanted or unfavorable. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for formal contexts like science, news, and academia. While versatile, it's best to avoid it in casual conversations where simpler alternatives might be more appropriate. The phrase conveys a reasoned assessment of negative consequences and can be effectively used to express disapproval or highlight areas that need improvement. Numerous examples available through Ludwig showcase its proper application across diverse fields, making it a valuable tool for clear and precise communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is unacceptable

Indicates that something is not tolerable or permissible.

is unwelcome

Emphasizes that something is not wanted or appreciated.

is a bad idea

Directly states that something is not a good course of action.

is not advisable

Similar to 'not recommended' but can also suggest potential risks.

is inappropriate

Suggests something is unsuitable or out of place in a given situation.

is not recommended

Focuses on advice against something, rather than inherent undesirability.

is disappointing

Indicates that something has failed to meet expectations.

is not favorable

Highlights the lack of positive outcomes or benefits.

is unfortunate

Highlights the bad luck or negative circumstances surrounding something.

is regrettable

Expresses sorrow or disappointment about something.

FAQs

How can I use "is undesirable" in a sentence?

The phrase "is undesirable" is used to express that something is unwanted or has negative consequences. For instance, you might say, "This outcome is undesirable because it leads to further complications."

What are some alternatives to "is undesirable"?

You can use alternatives like "is unacceptable", "is not recommended", or "is unwelcome" depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "is undesirable"?

The phrase "is undesirable" is suitable for formal writing, professional communication, and academic discussions where you need to express a negative assessment in a clear and direct manner.

What's the difference between "is undesirable" and "is unwanted"?

While both phrases express a lack of desire for something, "is undesirable" often implies a more reasoned or objective assessment of negative consequences, whereas "is unwanted" can be a more subjective expression of not wanting something.