she was unresponsive

USAGE SUMMARY

"she was unresponsive" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe a person's lack of response or reaction, typically in a medical context. For example: The doctors were concerned when they noticed that the patient was unresponsive.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

She was unresponsive.

The Washington Post

She was unresponsive: "This loan has got to be repaid".

The Guardian - Opinion

By the time ambulance workers arrived, Mr. Lo said, she was unresponsive.

The New York Times

Before September 11, she was unresponsive to counterterrorism tsar Richard Clark's urgent warnings about al-Qaida, and downgraded his position.

The Guardian

It also stated that it gave Ms. Taylor several opportunities to answer questions about the allegations, but that she was "unresponsive".

The New York Times

Two emergency workers, two paramedics and six police officers carried her on a stretcher through knee-deep snow, but by then she was unresponsive and her limbs were already flexed, indicating serious damage to her brain tissue.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

A new Front and Rear Automatic Braking system uses a combination of radar, optical cameras and ultrasonic sensors to first alert the driver of an impending collision risk and then, if he or she is unresponsive, automatically brake the car to a safe stop.

BBC

Ms. Pacheco, she added, was unresponsive.

The New York Times

If a waiter was unresponsive, she would make it clear what she thought of his inattentiveness.

The New York Times

She said she passed out and, when she woke up, her father was unresponsive, according to the Columbus Dispatch.

The Washington Post

She said the contractor was unresponsive to complaints of sexual harassment and mistreatment.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a medical situation, use "she was unresponsive" to clearly indicate a lack of reaction to stimuli.

Common error

Ensure that the context makes it clear whether "she was unresponsive" refers to a medical condition, a psychological state, or a deliberate choice not to respond. Providing additional details clarifies the situation and prevents misinterpretations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "she was unresponsive" functions as a descriptive statement, characterizing a subject's state of being. Ludwig examples show this phrase frequently appears in medical or emergency scenarios where a person's lack of reaction is significant.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

34%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "she was unresponsive" is grammatically correct and commonly employed to describe a lack of reaction or awareness, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. Its frequent usage in medical and emergency scenarios, particularly within news and media and scientific contexts, underscores its importance in conveying critical information objectively. While various alternatives exist, such as "she didn't respond", the choice depends on the specific nuance and context required. When employing this phrase, clarity is paramount to avoid ambiguity, ensuring the intended meaning is accurately communicated.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

she was irresponsive

A less common but direct synonym for "unresponsive".

she didn't respond

Focuses on the lack of a reply or reaction.

she showed no reaction

Emphasizes the absence of any visible response.

she gave no indication

Highlights the lack of signaling or communication.

she remained silent

Focuses specifically on the absence of speech.

she didn't acknowledge

Implies a failure to recognize or respond to something.

she was unconscious

Indicates a state of being unaware and unable to respond.

she was in a coma

Indicates a prolonged state of unconsciousness.

she was immobile

Focuses on the lack of physical movement.

she was insensitive

Emphasizes a lack of emotional response or awareness.

FAQs

How can I use "she was unresponsive" in a sentence?

You can use "she was unresponsive" to describe someone who is not reacting to stimuli or communication. For example, "After the accident, "she was unresponsive" to verbal commands".

What are some alternatives to "she was unresponsive"?

Alternatives include "she didn't respond", "she showed no reaction", or "she remained silent" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "she was unresponsive" or "she didn't respond"?

"She was unresponsive" often suggests a more severe or medical condition where the person is incapable of responding, while "she didn't respond" implies a choice or ability to respond that was not exercised.

What does it mean when someone is described as "unresponsive"?

It means the person is not showing any signs of reaction or awareness. This can be due to various reasons, such as unconsciousness, medical conditions, or a deliberate refusal to engage.