not commendable

USAGE SUMMARY

'not commendable' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe an action or behavior that is not worthy of praise or admiration. For example, "The employee's choice to take a shortcut instead of following the correct procedure was not commendable."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Every time my older sister wore it, I felt a surge of envy that, even at 10, I knew was not commendable.

The New York Times

This is not commendable, and – I fear – an impulse first taught, which then becomes pathological.

Vice

This is not commendable, and – I fear – and impulse first taught, which then becomes pathological.

Vice

This anger and acting-out are understandable (albeit not commendable) emotional responses and are not an indication of illegal activity.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

This is not to say the Dolphins' offense wasn't commendable.

The New York Times

Militarily engaging with Pakistan is not a commendable option.

The New York Times

Even her generosity is not a commendable quality, but about a girlish failure to take responsibility.

The Guardian

Retreating in order to avoid violence is not the commendable act of a prudent man, but the act of a coward, of someone who runs away.

The New York Times

But Andy Breslau, president of the Nation Institute, said that "Tony's refusal to submit to the mischaracterization of his statements on Israel at a moment of great public controversy struck the jury as not only commendable but also in keeping with his career-long commitment to the public responsibilities of the artist".

The New York Times

What is not so commendable, however, is Wade's proposal for doing so.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

President Obama has not been commendable on this issue either, but nothing pales in comparison to the wretched cold heartedness displayed by the GOP.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "not commendable" when you want to express a mild form of disapproval or indicate that an action or quality doesn't deserve praise, without being overly harsh. Be mindful that stronger synonyms exist if greater condemnation is required.

Common error

While "not commendable" is grammatically correct, it can sound understated in very formal or serious contexts. Opt for stronger, more direct phrases like "reprehensible" or "unacceptable" when addressing serious misconduct or ethical breaches to convey the appropriate gravity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not commendable" functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to describe something that does not deserve praise or approval. Ludwig AI confirms this usage is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "not commendable" is a grammatically sound adjective phrase used to express a lack of praiseworthiness or mild disapproval. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is used correctly in written English. While relatively rare, it appears most frequently in news and media contexts. For stronger disapproval, consider alternatives like "reprehensible" or "unacceptable". Remember to tailor your word choice to the specific context and desired level of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not admirable

This alternative replaces "commendable" with the synonym "admirable".

not praiseworthy

This alternative uses a more literal negative form of "praiseworthy".

unworthy of praise

This alternative is a more descriptive and explicit way of expressing the same idea.

reprehensible

This alternative is a single word that suggests stronger disapproval.

deserving of criticism

This alternative shifts the focus to the negative consequence or judgment.

scarcely deserving

This alternative emphasizes the limited merit of the action or behavior.

open to criticism

This alternative focuses on the vulnerability to negative feedback.

less than ideal

This alternative is a more understated way of saying something is not good.

far from ideal

This alternative emphasizes the significant departure from what is desired.

not particularly good

This alternative is a more general and less formal way to express disapproval.

FAQs

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

You can use "not commendable" to describe an action, behavior, or decision that is not worthy of praise or approval. For example, "His decision to ignore the company's policy was "not commendable"".

What are some alternatives to "not commendable"?

Alternatives to "not commendable" include "reprehensible", "not praiseworthy", or "unworthy of praise". The best choice depends on the specific context and the level of disapproval you wish to express.

Is "not commendable" too formal for everyday conversation?

While "not commendable" is generally suitable for formal writing and speech, it may sound slightly stilted in casual conversation. In informal settings, consider using phrases like "not great" or "less than ideal".

What is the difference between "not commendable" and "unacceptable"?

"Not commendable" indicates something is not deserving of praise, while "unacceptable" implies something is wrong or cannot be tolerated. "Unacceptable" carries a stronger connotation of disapproval and often suggests a violation of rules or standards.