not forthcoming

USAGE SUMMARY

"not forthcoming" is a perfectly valid and usable phrase in written English.
It means that someone is refusing or failing to give something that is wanted or expected. For example, you could say: "The manager was not forthcoming with details about the upcoming project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It was not forthcoming.

Independent

Further elucidation was not forthcoming.

The New York Times

That's not forthcoming.

The Guardian - Tech

They are not forthcoming.

The New York Times - Arts

It's not forthcoming here.

The Guardian - Film

For whatever reason, it was not forthcoming".

Independent

An exact count, unfortunately, was not forthcoming.

The New York Times

Diverting ramifications were not forthcoming.

The New Yorker

Such help was not forthcoming.

The New Yorker

"He was not forthcoming," one said.

The New York Times

Recognition, it seems, is still not forthcoming.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "not forthcoming" when you want to convey that someone or something is failing to provide information, assistance, or support that is expected or needed. It carries a slightly formal tone, making it suitable for professional and academic contexts.

Common error

While "not forthcoming" is generally acceptable in most contexts, be mindful of using it in highly informal settings where more casual language might be preferred. Consider alternatives like "not sharing" or "not helping" in those situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not forthcoming" primarily functions as an adjectival phrase. According to Ludwig AI, it describes a state of unwillingness or inability to provide something expected. Examples show it modifying entities like 'help', 'details', or 'support', indicating something lacked the expected action.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Science

13%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "not forthcoming" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to indicate a lack of willingness or availability to provide something expected, like information or assistance. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread usage. It is most frequently found in news and media contexts but also appears in science and formal business settings. While generally neutral in tone, users should consider using more casual language in informal settings. Remember that closely related alternatives such as "unresponsive" or "reluctant" might better suit particular nuances or audience expectations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unforthcoming

A simple and direct synonym, maintaining a high degree of similarity.

unresponsive

This term emphasizes a lack of reaction or answer, suggesting a passive refusal to engage.

uncooperative

This highlights a deliberate unwillingness to assist or collaborate.

reticent

This suggests a tendency to be silent or reserved, often due to shyness or a desire to keep secrets.

tight-lipped

This suggests a deliberate refusal to speak, often to protect secrets.

closemouthed

This indicates a reluctance to speak freely or share information.

unavailable

This indicates that something or someone is not accessible or obtainable.

reluctant

This implies hesitation or unwillingness, suggesting a lack of enthusiasm.

evasive

This implies avoiding direct answers or questions, often to conceal something.

hesitant

This suggests pausing or delaying due to uncertainty or reluctance.

FAQs

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

You can use "not forthcoming" to describe a person or entity that is unwilling to provide information or assistance. For instance, "The company was "not forthcoming" with details about the product recall".

What are some alternatives to saying "not forthcoming"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "unresponsive", "uncooperative", or "reluctant".

Is it better to say "unforthcoming" or "not forthcoming"?

"Unforthcoming" and "not forthcoming" are largely interchangeable. However, "not forthcoming" might sound slightly more natural in some contexts, while "unforthcoming" can appear more formal. Ultimately, the choice depends on the desired tone and style.

What does it mean when someone is described as "not forthcoming"?

When someone is described as "not forthcoming", it means they are unwilling or hesitant to provide information or assistance that is being requested or expected. They may be evasive, tight-lipped, or generally uncooperative.