less receptive

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "less receptive" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something that is not as open or responsive to ideas, suggestions, or stimuli compared to another. Example: "After the recent changes in management, the team has become less receptive to feedback from upper management."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Others are less receptive.

The New York Times

"Iran has been less receptive.

The Guardian

Country audiences have generally been less receptive.

The Guardian - Music

It might also make Washington less receptive to a bailout.

The New York Times

They may be less receptive to Ed Miliband's message.

The Guardian - Business

He said that people in Central Park were less receptive.

The New York Times

But Mr. Ackman has been less receptive to other concessions.

The New York Times

A mortgage broker becomes less receptive after discovering a loan applicant's race.

Stanford University

When library organizations started attending WIPO meetings, the organization was less receptive to our views.

Stanford University

He was less receptive to another industry lesson: that pop stardom has a short half-life.

The New Yorker

The pins are fine for wallboard, but plastered walls are less receptive.

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "less receptive", consider the specific reason for the lack of receptiveness. Is it due to mood, prior experience, or a fundamental difference in opinion? Specifying the cause can add clarity and nuance to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "less receptive" as a blanket judgment without providing context. Instead of saying "The audience was less receptive", specify what they were less receptive to and why. This makes your statement more informative and less subjective.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less receptive" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate a diminished capacity or willingness to accept or respond to something. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Academia

22%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Science

4%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "less receptive" is a grammatically correct and frequently used adjective phrase that indicates a diminished capacity or willingness to accept or respond to something. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and common usage. It's most commonly found in news and academic contexts, suggesting a neutral to slightly formal register. When using this phrase, it's important to provide context about what is being resisted and why, and to avoid overgeneralizations. Alternatives like "more resistant" or "less open-minded" may be appropriate depending on the specific meaning you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

less open-minded

Focuses on a closed attitude to new ideas, indicating a cognitive unwillingness to consider alternatives.

less responsive

Highlights a lack of reaction or engagement, suggesting a passive disinterest rather than active resistance.

more resistant

Implies active opposition or reluctance, suggesting a stronger degree of unwillingness than "less receptive".

not easily convinced

Emphasizes the difficulty in persuading someone, indicating a need for substantial evidence or reasoning.

unaccommodating

Emphasizes a refusal to adjust or adapt to others' needs or preferences, indicating inflexibility.

closed off

Suggests an emotional or mental barrier, indicating a reluctance to engage or connect with new information.

unpersuadable

Highlights the difficulty in convincing someone, suggesting a firm resistance to changing their mind.

unwilling to consider

Directly states a refusal to entertain new ideas or suggestions, indicating a deliberate choice to remain fixed in opinion.

less impressionable

Focuses on a reduced susceptibility to influence, suggesting a resistance to external pressures or suggestions.

not amenable

Indicates a lack of willingness to cooperate or agree, suggesting a reluctance to be persuaded or influenced.

FAQs

How can I use "less receptive" in a sentence?

You can use "less receptive" to describe individuals or groups that are not as open or responsive to ideas, suggestions, or stimuli. For example, "After the merger, employees became "less receptive" to new management strategies".

What are some alternatives to saying "less receptive"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "more resistant", "less open-minded", or "less responsive" to convey a similar meaning.

Which is correct, "less receptive" or "not receptive"?

Both "less receptive" and "not receptive" are grammatically correct, but they have slightly different nuances. "Less receptive" implies a comparative decrease in receptiveness, while "not receptive" suggests a complete lack of receptiveness.

When is it appropriate to use "less receptive" in formal writing?

It's appropriate to use "less receptive" in formal writing when you need to describe a decrease in openness or responsiveness without being overly critical or judgmental. It's a neutral and professional way to convey that someone is not as open to ideas as they once were.