not welcome

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not welcome" is correct and commonly used in written English.
You can use it to describe something or someone that is not accepted or wanted in a particular place or situation. Here are a few examples: - "Her rude behavior made her not welcome at the party." - "The new policies were met with resistance and were not generally welcomed by the employees." - "Protesters made it clear that the controversial speaker was not welcome on campus." - "The stray cat was not welcome in our backyard anymore after it kept digging up our garden."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

— not welcome.

The New Yorker

They are not welcome.

Independent

Not welcome in Britain.

Independent

It's not welcome news.

The Washington Post

You are not welcome.

The Guardian

Children are not welcome.

The New York Times - Travel

He is not welcome.

The Guardian

Outsiders are not welcome.

The New York Times - Travel

"Vanunu is not welcome.

The Guardian

Keenos are not welcome.

The Guardian - Opinion

Dissent is not welcome.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "not welcome" to clearly and directly express that someone or something is unwanted or unwelcome in a specific context. This phrase leaves no room for ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid assuming someone is "not welcome" based on subtle cues alone. Ensure there's clear evidence of unwelcomeness to avoid misinterpretations and potential offense.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not welcome" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun or pronoun. It describes the state of being unwanted or excluded. Ludwig AI confirms this, showing numerous examples where the phrase clearly indicates a lack of acceptance.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "not welcome" is a common and direct way to express that someone or something is unwanted. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it functions as an adjective phrase to describe a state of exclusion. Its usage spans various contexts, particularly in news and media where clear communication is vital. While "not welcome" has a neutral register, it's important to use it judiciously to avoid unintended offense. For alternative expressions, consider "uninvited", "unwanted", or "persona non grata", depending on the level of formality required. Remember that subtlety can be misconstrued and relying on direct language is frequently the best policy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unwanted

Highlights that someone or something is not desired.

uninvited

Focuses on the lack of an invitation, implying a lack of welcome.

not invited

Emphasizes the absence of an invitation.

persona non grata

A formal term indicating someone is not welcome in a particular place.

excluded

Stresses the act of being kept out or prevented from entering.

rejected

Highlights the act of being refused or turned away.

shut out

Implies a forceful exclusion.

disallowed

Focuses on the prohibition of entry or acceptance.

forbidden

Emphasizes that something is prohibited or not allowed.

out of place

Highlights a feeling of not belonging or fitting in.

FAQs

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

You can use "not welcome" to indicate that someone or something is unwanted or excluded from a place or situation. For example, "His behavior made him "not welcome" at the party" or "Negative attitudes are "not welcome" in this team".

What are some alternatives to saying "not welcome"?

Alternatives to "not welcome" include "uninvited", "unwanted", or "persona non grata" depending on the specific context and desired formality.

Is it more appropriate to say "not welcome" or "unwelcome"?

Both "not welcome" and "unwelcome" are correct, but "not welcome" is often used for emphasis, while "unwelcome" can sometimes sound more formal. The choice depends on the tone you want to convey.

What does it mean when someone says "You're not welcome here"?

Saying "You're "not welcome" here" is a direct and unequivocal way of telling someone that they are unwanted and should leave or not return to a particular place.