is unfriendly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is unfriendly" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something that is not kind or welcoming in nature. Example: "Her tone during the meeting is unfriendly, making it difficult for others to contribute."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

39 human-written examples

Newcomers think the city is unfriendly.

The Guardian

That's not to say she is unfriendly; she really does just talk and talk.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The Transcontinental special, an omelet, is reasonably good, but the staff is unfriendly and unenergetic.

The New York Times - Magazine

It is unfriendly to pedestrians and cyclists, and now dead in many pockets at night.

The Guardian - Arts

(China's political culture is unfriendly to women and there are few women in positions of power in the Communist Party).

The New York Times

State governments pressure newspapers by taking out acres of ad space, which can be withdrawn if coverage is unfriendly.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

19 human-written examples

They were unfriendly to visitors.

The New Yorker

The security guards are unfriendly.

The New York Times

"He was unfriendly and unimpressed".

The Guardian

It's not that I'm unfriendly.

The New York Times

He judged her to be unfriendly.

The New York Times - Style

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a place or system as "is unfriendly", specify to whom or what it is unfriendly. For example, "The city is unfriendly to pedestrians" provides more context.

Common error

Avoid using "is unfriendly" as a blanket statement without supporting details. Explain the specific behaviors or characteristics that make something seem unfriendly.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is unfriendly" functions primarily as a predicative adjective, describing a subject as lacking friendliness or being hostile. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. Examples show it modifying entities ranging from places to policies.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

16%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is unfriendly" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe a lack of warmth or welcome. As demonstrated by Ludwig, it appears frequently in News & Media and Science contexts, making it a versatile choice for expressing negative assessments across diverse subjects. While generally neutral in register, its impact can be amplified by specifying to whom or what the subject is unfriendly. Remember to provide supporting details, and avoid overgeneralizations when using this phrase for greater clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is not friendly

Direct negation of friendliness, slightly milder in tone.

is unwelcoming

Emphasizes a lack of hospitality or acceptance.

is inhospitable

Highlights a lack of warmth and comfort, particularly in a setting.

is ill-disposed

Indicates a negative or unfavorable attitude.

is disagreeable

Focuses on an unpleasant or uncooperative nature.

is unapproachable

Suggests difficulty in initiating contact or conversation.

is cold

Implies a lack of emotion or warmth in interactions.

is hostile

Indicates active opposition or aggression.

is antagonistic

Suggests active opposition or hostility.

is off-putting

Describes something that creates a negative impression or discourages interaction.

FAQs

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

You can use "is unfriendly" to describe a person, place, or situation that lacks warmth or welcome. For example, "The new software "is unfriendly to" beginners" or "He felt that the city "is unfriendly to" tourists".

What are some alternatives to saying "is unfriendly"?

Alternatives include "is unwelcoming", "is hostile", or "is unapproachable", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "is unfriendly" or "is not friendly"?

Both "is unfriendly" and "is not friendly" are grammatically correct, but "is unfriendly" is often more direct and concise. The choice depends on the specific context and desired emphasis.

What does it mean when something is described as "is unfriendly"?

When something "is unfriendly", it typically means it lacks warmth, kindness, or a welcoming atmosphere. It can suggest a negative or unwelcoming environment or disposition.