isolationist

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'isolationist' is a correct and usable word in written English.
It describes a person or country who avoids interaction with other countries and people. An example sentence would be: "The new president's policies are increasingly isolationist, as he has placed heavy restrictions on travel and trade with other countries."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Senator Rand Paul (Kentucky): Paul's weak spot is foreign policy not so much that he doesn't have any experience (few Tea Party darlings do) but that he sounds an isolationist note that can register to many self-proclaimed patriots dangerously like weakness.

The Guardian - Opinion

Hall wants the BBC to be "more fluid, more porous", less isolationist.

The Guardian

But amid talk of a global race in which developing nations are surging forward while Europe gazes morosely at its navel, our insecure politicians are proposing isolationist policies that have an impact on national prosperity and indicate hostility to the rest of the planet.

The Guardian - Opinion

Abolishing the CEFC is.. is an isolationist, rust bucket strategy.

The Guardian

In general he will intervene only when convinced that to do so will not make things worse which is to say, in the Middle East, rarely.Mr Obama is no pacifist and no isolationist.

The Economist

While the Kremlin grows increasingly isolationist, the Mariinsky is becoming ever more open and expansionist.

The Economist

Statesmen and international businessmen are not the only ones who find this isolationist streak maddening.

The Economist

And when the Iraqis were driven out of their conquered territory, the general was in favour of ending the war immediately.General Powell is no isolationist, someone who thinks American troops should be used only in the case of an attack on the American mainland.

The Economist

Many Kazakh officials worry privately about hitching their nation's future to an isolationist Russia.

The Economist

That will be an interesting contest between his approach, rooted in the traditions of Hapsburg and central European history, and strongly supporting both the European Union and NATO, and the isolationist and sometimes unpredictable approach of Mr Klaus.

The Economist

But it is hard to imagine any country taking steps severe enough to influence Myanmar's isolationist rulers.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "isolationist", consider the specific aspect of non-involvement you wish to emphasize (political, economic, military) for greater precision. If the context focuses on trade policy, for example, "protectionist" might be more fitting.

Common error

Avoid using "isolationist" when you mean "pacifist". An "isolationist" advocates for minimal international involvement, while a "pacifist" opposes war and violence. A country can be "isolationist" without being "pacifist", and vice-versa.

Linguistic Context

The word "isolationist" primarily functions as an adjective modifying nouns, such as "policy" or "sentiment", to describe a tendency or belief in avoiding international involvement. It can also act as a noun, referring to a person who holds such beliefs. Ludwig AI confirms that this word is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

99%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "isolationist" functions both as an adjective and a noun, primarily within neutral and formal contexts. As reported by Ludwig AI, its usage correctly describes a person or country that avoids interactions with other countries and people. While often found in News & Media, it's vital to differentiate it from related concepts like "pacifist" or "nationalist". When choosing to use this term, consider the specific nuance you wish to convey about international involvement. Alternatives like "non-interventionist" or "protectionist" can add precision depending on the situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

non-interventionist

Focuses specifically on avoiding military intervention.

protectionist

Emphasizes economic self-reliance and trade barriers.

separatist

Highlights the desire to withdraw from a larger entity.

autarkic

Stresses complete economic independence and self-sufficiency.

nationalist

Prioritizes domestic interests and sovereignty.

go-it-alone

Informal term for acting independently without allies.

America First policy

Specific policy prioritizing American interests above all.

detached from global affairs

Describes a state of non-participation in international matters.

disengaged from world politics

Similar to detached, emphasizing a lack of political involvement.

self-imposed seclusion

Highlights a deliberate choice to remain apart from others.

FAQs

How is "isolationist" typically used in a sentence?

The word "isolationist" is commonly used as an adjective to describe policies, ideas or individuals advocating for minimal involvement in international affairs. For example: "The senator's views were seen as increasingly isolationist."

What are some synonyms for "isolationist"?

Depending on the specific context, synonyms for "isolationist" might include "non-interventionist", "protectionist", or "nationalist".

What is the difference between "isolationist" and "nationalist"?

"Isolationist" refers to a policy of avoiding alliances and international involvement, while "nationalist" describes prioritizing one's own nation's interests. A nationalist policy can be isolationist, but doesn't have to be.

Is it correct to describe a country as "isolationist" if it only limits immigration?

While limiting immigration can be part of an isolationist stance, the term usually encompasses a broader range of policies including trade, diplomacy, and military involvement. Therefore, describing a country as fully "isolationist" based solely on immigration policies might be an oversimplification.