judgmental look

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "judgmental look" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use the phrase when someone looks at something or someone with disapproval or disdain. For example: The teacher gave her student a judgmental look as he tried to explain why he hadn't done his homework.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

If there is such a thing as a specifically English face, Beatrice Hastings had it in spades with her tall, narrow, slightly judgmental look, and Modigliani got it down on canvas.

The New York Times - Arts

To cultural and gender studies he bequeathed the enticing idea that the judgmental look or predatory gaze of others shaped and commonly distorted a person's sense of who they were.In a typical twist, Sartre added that people were entirely free to reject the verdicts of others and their stereotyping.

The Economist

He unexpectedly unclenched his nether regions, which returned the blood to my brain, then he stepped over me, walked a few feet forward, spun around, and gave me the most judgmental look any giraffe has ever shot a human.

HuffPost

The doctor approached me with the negative results, carrying a slightly irritated, judgmental look on her face, and told me I should "be selective" about who I sleep with.

Vice

I looked around the room to see if I could catch a judgmental look passing over anyone else's face ― I'm sure I had one on mine ― and then internally chastised myself for being such a bitch.

Huffington Post

I have two teenage boys, and without a doubt, when I tell someone that yes, they eat hot dogs, chicken tenders and the occasional fast food meal, I get that judgmental look.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Despite the courage he shows in living as an openly trans teenager, the furtive glances, averted eyes and judgmental looks still sting.

The Washington Post

Not only do her efforts never work; they also earn her judgmental looks from people who disapprove of her mothering techniques — looks that she throws right back at them.

The New Yorker

For people who are never actually going to go to the gym and only want the plastic key-chain thing to put next to the one they have from Duane Reade, so that the cashiers will stop giving them judgmental looks when they buy ice cream and beer.

The New Yorker

The desire to escape ambient judgmental looks is familiar with Fanon's description of the colonized person's self-image.

European Journal of Futures Research

Three 50ml Dewars bottles and four judgmental looks later, I am closer to fine, but not actually there yet.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "judgmental look" to describe nonverbal communication that conveys disapproval or critical assessment. Be mindful of the context, as overuse might make your writing sound overly critical or negative.

Common error

Avoid using "judgmental look" when you mean someone is simply discerning or observant. "Judgmental" implies a negative evaluation, while discernment suggests understanding and thoughtful assessment. If someone is simply noticing details without condemnation, a different phrase would be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "judgmental look" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "judgmental" modifies the noun "look". It describes the quality or character of the look, indicating it conveys a critical or disapproving attitude. Ludwig AI confirms this usage with real-world examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

16%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "judgmental look" accurately describes a facial expression conveying disapproval or criticism. Ludwig AI validates its correct usage in various contexts. While grammatically sound and understandable, it is moderately common in sources like news media and science. When using this phrase, consider the potential negative connotations and choose alternatives like "critical gaze" or "disapproving glance" depending on the specific nuance you want to communicate. Overall, "judgmental look" is a useful phrase for describing nonverbal cues, but should be used thoughtfully to avoid unintended negative implications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

critical gaze

Emphasizes the intensity and scrutinizing nature of the look.

disapproving glance

Highlights the expression of disapproval in a quick look.

censorious stare

Implies a moral judgment and strong disapproval in the stare.

condemning expression

Focuses on the face showing a strong feeling of disapproval.

reproachful look

Suggests the look conveys blame or disappointment.

scornful expression

Indicates contempt and disdain in the facial expression.

unsympathetic gaze

Highlights the lack of empathy or understanding in the look.

critical observation

Focuses on the act of critically watching someone or something.

disapproving stare

Focuses on disapproval of the stare and its intensity.

censorious look

Censorious adds a tone of judgment and criticism to the look itself.

FAQs

How can I use "judgmental look" in a sentence?

You can use "judgmental look" to describe a facial expression that conveys disapproval or criticism. For example, "She gave me a "judgmental look" when I told her my plans".

What's a more neutral alternative to "judgmental look"?

If you want to avoid the negative connotation, you could use phrases like "observing gaze", "scrutinizing glance", or "questioning look" depending on the context.

What's the difference between a "judgmental look" and a "disapproving glance"?

While similar, a ""judgmental look"" suggests a stronger sense of condemnation or moral evaluation, whereas a "disapproving glance" simply indicates disagreement or dissatisfaction.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "judgmental look"?

Use "judgmental look" when you want to emphasize that someone's expression reflects a critical and often unfair assessment of another person or situation.