off-putting

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "off-putting" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe something that is unpleasant or discouraging, causing someone to feel disinterested or repelled. Example: "The strong smell of the fish market was quite off-putting to the tourists."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

But off-putting.

The New Yorker

How off-putting?

The New Yorker

That was off-putting.

The New York Times

off-putting to voters?

The New Yorker

What an off-putting spectacle.

The New York Times

It really was off-putting.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

Was my tone or conduct off putting?

Forbes

"Everybody has an off putting week.

Los Angeles Times

It's very off putting and inconsiderate to other passengers.

WikiHow

Prolonged eye contact before a conversation can be off putting.

WikiHow

Yellow teeth can be off putting to the reader.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "off-putting" when you want to convey that something is not just disliked, but actively creates a negative impression or discourages interaction.

Common error

In highly formal or professional writing, consider using a more neutral term like "unfavorable" or "problematic" if the goal is simply to point out a drawback without emphasizing aversion.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "off-putting" is as an adjective, modifying a noun to describe something that is unpleasant, disconcerting, or repulsive. Ludwig examples show it describing everything from personal habits to political strategies. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Wiki

11%

Science

11%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the adjective phrase "off-putting" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe something that is unpleasant, disconcerting, or repulsive. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and showcases its versatility through a variety of examples. Predominantly found in News & Media, it’s also used in Wiki and Science contexts. While highly effective in many situations, writers should consider more neutral alternatives like "unfavorable" or "problematic" in highly formal settings. By understanding its nuances, writers can confidently use "off-putting" to express negative evaluations effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Unpleasant

Replaces the compound adjective with a simpler, more direct term.

Unappealing

A general term for something that lacks interest or attractiveness.

Disconcerting

Focuses on the unsettling aspect of something that is "off-putting".

Repulsive

Emphasizes the strong aversion caused by something "off-putting".

Distasteful

Highlights the lack of appeal or enjoyment associated with something.

Unsettling

Focuses on the disturbing or uneasy feeling caused by something.

Unattractive

Focuses on the lack of aesthetic appeal, which can make something "off-putting".

Uninviting

Emphasizes the lack of welcoming or appealing qualities.

Irritating

Highlights the annoyance or frustration caused by something "off-putting".

Aversive

A more formal term describing something that causes avoidance.

FAQs

How to use "off-putting" in a sentence?

You can use "off-putting" to describe something that causes a negative impression or discourages interaction. For example, "His arrogance was quite off-putting to potential clients".

What can I say instead of "off-putting"?

You can use alternatives like "unpleasant", "disconcerting", or "unappealing" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "off-putting" or "off putting"?

"Off-putting" is the correct spelling and usage. "Off putting" is an incorrect separation of the phrase.

What's the difference between "off-putting" and "repulsive"?

"Off-putting" describes something that is somewhat unpleasant and discourages someone, while "repulsive" describes something that causes intense disgust or aversion.