not aligned

USAGE SUMMARY

"not aligned" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when you are trying to describe something that is not in agreement or doesn't match up properly. For example, "The two sides of the argument were not aligned, so it was difficult to reach an agreement."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But if you're not aligned, you're not.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

If you're not aligned, it's like twinkling.

The Washington Post

Individual objectives often are not aligned.

Harvard Business Review

SARAH GREEN CARMICHAEL: Definitely not aligned.

Harvard Business Review

Therefore, the particle position of each layer was not aligned.

Nature

It's not aligned with how people think," he says.

MIT Technology Review

Corporate interests are not aligned in this case, though.

The New York Times

Cracks in the earth are not aligned with borders.

The New Yorker

This is what happens when climate change policy is not aligned with energy sector policy and when state policy is not aligned with federal policy.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Some families are finding their aid packages are not aligned with their expectations.

The New York Times

Put simply, the environmental imperatives and the short term business case are not aligned.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "not aligned", ensure the context clearly indicates what is lacking alignment. For example, "The company's goals are "not aligned" with its employees' needs."

Common error

Avoid using "not aligned" when a stronger term like 'incompatible' or 'contradictory' is more appropriate. "Not aligned" suggests a potential for future alignment, while other terms indicate a fundamental opposition.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not aligned" functions primarily as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun to indicate a lack of correspondence, agreement, or proper positioning. Ludwig's examples show that this phrase is often used to describe abstract concepts like goals, interests, or policies.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

19%

Less common in

Academia

6%

Wiki

4%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "not aligned" is a versatile expression used to indicate a lack of agreement, correspondence, or proper positioning. According to Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and frequently used across various contexts, including news, business, and science. Its neutral tone makes it suitable for broad application, whether describing mismatched goals, inconsistent policies, or physical misalignments. While related phrases like "misaligned" or "out of sync" can offer more nuanced meanings, understanding the core concept of "not aligned" is essential for clear and precise communication. The high frequency of "not aligned" across authoritative sources underscores its importance in contemporary English usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

misaligned

This term suggests a slight deviation from proper alignment, implying a minor discrepancy.

out of sync

This phrase indicates a lack of synchronization or coordination, often used in the context of timing or operations.

in disagreement

This phrase directly expresses a lack of agreement or consensus between parties or ideas.

not in agreement

A more formal way of expressing disagreement, suitable for professional contexts.

inconsistent

This term describes a lack of uniformity or coherence, highlighting disparities between elements.

discordant

This suggests a lack of harmony or agreement, often used in abstract or conceptual contexts.

at odds

This phrase indicates conflict or opposition between two or more entities.

unharmonious

This term highlights a lack of harmonious relationship or combination, often used in aesthetic or abstract contexts.

askew

Describes something that is not straight or level, implying a physical or metaphorical imbalance.

off-kilter

This term suggests a state of imbalance or eccentricity, often used in informal settings.

FAQs

How can I use "not aligned" in a sentence?

You can use "not aligned" to describe situations where things don't match up or agree. For example, "The team's objectives were "not aligned" with the company's mission."

What's a more formal way to say "not aligned"?

More formal alternatives include "not in agreement" or "inconsistent", depending on the specific context you are describing.

Is it always negative to say something is "not aligned"?

While it often indicates a problem, saying something is "not aligned" simply means it doesn't match or isn't in agreement. The consequences of this lack of alignment determine whether it's negative.

Which is correct, "not aligned" or "unaligned"?

Both "not aligned" and "unaligned" are correct, but "not aligned" is generally more common and versatile. "Unaligned" might be preferred when describing a physical state, while "not aligned" can apply to both physical and abstract concepts.