not been forthcoming

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not been forthcoming" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing someone who has not been open or honest in providing information. Example: "Despite repeated inquiries, the company has not been forthcoming about the details of the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Offers have not been forthcoming.

The New York Times

And they've not been forthcoming.

The New York Times

Yet legislation has not been forthcoming.

The Economist

"They have not been forthcoming".

The New York Times

It has not been forthcoming.

The Guardian

One has not been forthcoming".

The Guardian - Business

And summer rainfall has not been forthcoming.

Cornell University

Such reinforcements have not been forthcoming.

The Guardian

The money's not been forthcoming for education.

The Guardian

Sadly this has not been forthcoming.

The Guardian

But his support has not been forthcoming.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "not been forthcoming", ensure the context clearly indicates what information or assistance was expected but not provided. This adds clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid embedding "not been forthcoming" within overly complex sentences. This can make the sentence difficult to parse. Simplify the structure for better readability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not been forthcoming" functions as a predicate adjective, describing the state of a subject (person, entity, or thing) as lacking openness or willingness to provide information. As Ludwig AI suggests, this phrase is commonly used to indicate a failure to disclose or reveal details.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

18%

Science

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "not been forthcoming" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a lack of openness or willingness to provide information, assistance, or cooperation. As Ludwig AI pointed out, it's widely used across various reputable sources like news media, academic papers, and scientific articles. While it can be used in formal and informal contexts, avoiding overly complex sentences when employing this phrase is best to ensure clarity. Alternatives include "has not disclosed", "has been evasive", and "has remained silent".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

has been evasive

Suggests an active attempt to avoid providing direct answers or information.

has not disclosed

Highlights the failure to reveal information that should be public or known.

has been uncommunicative

Indicates a general unwillingness to share information or engage in conversation.

has been reticent

Implies a quiet or restrained reluctance to speak freely.

has not provided

Emphasizes the lack of delivery of something expected or requested.

has been unresponsive

Highlights a failure to react or provide feedback when expected.

has not been delivered

Indicates that something promised or anticipated has not been supplied.

has not volunteered

Focuses on the absence of an offered action or information.

has failed to materialize

Focuses on something expected not happening or becoming available.

has remained silent

Focuses on the complete absence of verbal communication.

FAQs

What does "not been forthcoming" mean?

The phrase "not been forthcoming" means someone has been unwilling or hesitant to provide information, help, or assistance when expected or requested. It suggests a lack of openness or cooperation.

How can I use "not been forthcoming" in a sentence?

You can use "not been forthcoming" to describe a person or entity that has failed to provide necessary information. For example, "Despite repeated inquiries, the company has "not been forthcoming" with details about the project."

What can I say instead of "not been forthcoming"?

You can use alternatives like "has not disclosed", "has been evasive", or "has remained silent" depending on the context.

Is it better to use "not been forthcoming" or "uncooperative"?

The choice depends on the context. "Not been forthcoming" focuses specifically on the lack of information provided. "Uncooperative" implies a more general lack of willingness to assist or work with others. The first is more related to a lack of provided info, the latter more to a voluntary action of not working/assist.