that is undesirable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "that is undesirable" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is not wanted or is considered negative in a particular context. Example: "The current state of the project has several issues that is undesirable for our timeline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

Behavioral therapy, also called behavioral modification, uses psychological counseling to change activity that is undesirable or potentially harmful.

Britannica

Controlling the formation of bubbles would also help guard against a scenario called "critical heat flux" that is undesirable – sometimes disastrous – in industrial boilers.

The Guardian

For example, BaTiO3 exhibits a large peak in dielectric constant near the Curie point a property that is undesirable for stable capacitor applications.

Britannica

And when leaders have an existence that is undesirable and inaccessible, which is what we see today, what they get is resentment, not trust.

Harvard Business Review

There is so much about the Coyotes' situation that is undesirable, starting with their lease, which requires them to pay a parking fee of $2.70 per ticket to the city of Glendale.

The New York Times - Sports

The company's position on not being evil essentially means a commitment to technological progression, not a commitment to morality (Bogost also points out that Wiktionary has already redefined evil in the case of computing/programming as something that is "undesirable; harmful; bad practice", far removed from what most of us might understand "evil" to mean).

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

And very often, that oscillation is something that's undesirable.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

"It smooths things out and suppresses behaviors that are undesirable".

The New York Times - Magazine

"Areas that were undesirable for one generation become prized property for the next," Professor Corey said.

The New York Times

A four element moving average is then used to smooth out jagged values and artifacts from interpolation that are undesirable.

Cornell University

They do indeed change customer behavior but often in ways that are undesirable in the long run.

Harvard Business Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing outcomes that are unwanted, consider using "that is undesirable" in formal reports or analytical pieces to maintain a neutral tone. It's direct without being overly emotive.

Common error

Avoid using "that is undesirable" in casual conversations. Opt for simpler alternatives like 'that's not good' or 'that's not ideal' to maintain a natural and relatable tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that is undesirable" functions as a predicative adjective, modifying a subject by expressing that it is not wanted or favored. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

31%

Science

44%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

6%

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "that is undesirable" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to denote something unwanted or unfavorable. According to Ludwig, the phrase is suitable for both formal and neutral contexts. While prevalent in scientific and news media, it is best used sparingly in casual conversations. To enhance clarity, always ensure the 'that' is clearly defined within the context. For situations where different nuances are preferred, consider alternatives like "that is unwelcome" or "that is unfavorable". Remember to balance formality and naturalness when incorporating this expression in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that is unwelcome

Emphasizes the unwelcomed nature of something.

that is unfavorable

Highlights the negative or disadvantageous aspect.

that is disadvantageous

Focuses on the detrimental effects or drawbacks.

that is unacceptable

Indicates something is not tolerable or permissible.

that is regrettable

Expresses sorrow or disappointment about something.

that is problematic

Highlights the troublesome or difficult aspects.

that is unfortunate

Indicates bad luck or an undesirable situation.

that is inappropriate

Suggests something is unsuitable or out of place.

that is counterproductive

Focuses on the fact that it hinders progress.

that is ill-advised

Highlights the lack of wisdom or good judgment.

FAQs

How can I use "that is undesirable" in a sentence?

Use "that is undesirable" to express that a situation, outcome, or characteristic is unwanted or unfavorable. For example, "The high error rate in the process is undesirable."

What are some alternatives to "that is undesirable"?

You can use alternatives like "that is unwelcome", "that is unfavorable", or "that is unacceptable" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "that is undesirable" in formal writing?

Yes, "that is undesirable" is suitable for formal writing as it conveys a clear and objective assessment of something unwanted. It's often used in reports, analyses, and academic papers.

What is the difference between "that is undesirable" and "that is unfortunate"?

"That is undesirable" indicates that something is unwanted or unfavorable, focusing on its inherent qualities. "That is unfortunate", on the other hand, expresses regret or disappointment about something that has occurred. The first expresses an evaluation while the second a feeling.