not very responsive

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not very responsive" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is used to describe a person or thing that does not react quickly or positively to something. For example: My laptop was not very responsive when I tried to open certain programs.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

Dad was not very responsive.

The New York Times

The north is not very responsive at the moment, whereas southern politicians are sending mixed signals.

The Economist

Capital investment, on the other hand, is not very responsive to interest rates, yet it has just as powerful an influence on the economy.

The New York Times

Housing supply is not very responsive to price: it is hard to build homes quickly to take advantage of a price spike.

The Economist

We do rely on the audience – if they're not very responsive, you have to work harder to keep yourself pumped up, but if they're cheering, it gives you such an adrenaline rush.

The Guardian

A bigger problem was that it was slow to load and not very responsive to the touch (at least on my Droid2), so it was barely more relaxing than frustrating.

The New York Times - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

(How about a ballerina, a firefighter, or an astronaut?) She had a longer response when he asked her why not, though it wasn't very responsive — it was mostly about how much fun it had been to be Secretary of State.

The New Yorker

But what if they aren't very responsive, or their explanations don't sound quite right?

The New Yorker

"Consumers aren't very responsive to prices in the first place," Dr. Cropp said.

The New York Times

The remote control isn't very responsive, either, which makes things seem laggier.

TechCrunch

CNET's review of the X-900 actually states that its controls weren't very responsive, and the onboard speakers only work if the joypad is attached to the screen.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "not very responsive", ensure the context clearly indicates what the subject is not responding to. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens your writing.

Common error

Avoid relying solely on "not very responsive" in technical documentation or scientific reports. Instead, use more precise terminology specific to the field, such as "low sensitivity" or "poor signal detection", to convey the exact nature of the lack of response.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not very responsive" functions as an adjective phrase that modifies a noun or pronoun. It indicates a diminished level of reaction, sensitivity, or effectiveness, as confirmed by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

45%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "not very responsive" is a common and grammatically correct adjective phrase used to describe a lack of expected or desired reaction. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread use across various contexts, including news, science, and business. While versatile, it's important to consider more precise alternatives in technical or scientific writing. The phrase maintains a neutral register, making it suitable for diverse audiences. By considering the context and intended nuance, you can effectively use "not very responsive" to communicate a diminished level of reaction or sensitivity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unreactive

This alternative emphasizes the lack of chemical or physiological reaction.

unreceptive

This suggests a disinclination to receive or accept new ideas or suggestions.

insensitive

Implies a lack of emotional or physical feeling or awareness.

unattentive

Suggests a failure to pay attention or respond to signals.

lethargic

This describes a state of sluggishness, inactivity, and apathy.

sluggish

Indicates slow or lazy movement or response.

passive

Describes someone who accepts or allows what happens or what others do, without active response or resistance.

apathetic

This denotes a lack of interest, enthusiasm, or concern.

indifferent

Signifies a lack of interest or sympathy.

unmoved

Suggests a lack of emotional impact or reaction.

FAQs

What does "not very responsive" mean?

The phrase "not very responsive" indicates a lack of prompt or significant reaction to a stimulus, request, or change. It suggests a subdued or minimal response.

How can I use "not very responsive" in a sentence?

You can use "not very responsive" to describe anything from a person's behavior (e.g., "He was "not very responsive" during the meeting") to a device's performance (e.g., "The touchscreen is "not very responsive"").

What are some alternatives to "not very responsive"?

Alternatives to "not very responsive" include "unreactive", "unreceptive", "insensitive", or "sluggish", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to use "unresponsive" instead of "not very responsive"?

While "unresponsive" implies a complete lack of response, "not very responsive" suggests a minimal or weak response. The choice depends on the degree of reaction you want to convey. Consider if something is entirely "unresponsive" or simply "less responsive".