this is mean

USAGE SUMMARY

"this is mean" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to express feelings of disapproval about something. For example, "My boss asked me to stay late, but he won't pay me extra. This is mean."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

This is mean -- late-night comedy is mean, right?

The New York Times

"Maybe this is mean to say, but sometimes I wonder if the only thing Spartacus cares about is Spartacus".

The New Yorker

"Hugo, this is low, this is mean, it's lousy, after 26 years of marriage and four children, you call me from some chick's house to say you're getting head and our marriage is over.

The Guardian - Books

She feels this is mean and tries hard not to tell her.

HuffPost

This is "Mean Tweets," NBA Edition: Round 3. Coinciding with the start of the NBA Finals, "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" got a group of basketball players (and others in the industry), including Steph Curry, Blake Griffin and Jeremy Lin, to read the nasty, and often absurd, things that people tweet about them.

Huffington Post

Only one trial was from a non-Asian population, namely North Americans [ 19].> -wrap-foot> Irinotecanan, P cisplatin, V vindesine, G gemcitabine, N navelbine, D docetaxel, T paclitaxel, C carboplatin, NR not reported, Ad. adenocarcinoma * This is mean data, not median data.

BMC Cancer

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

This is meant sincerely.

The New Yorker

"This is meant to intimidate all witnesses".

The New York Times

"This is meant to help do that".

The New York Times

This is meant to discourage underweight jumpers.

The New York Times

This is meant to deter the smugglers.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "this is mean" when you want to express disapproval or indicate that someone's actions are unfair or unkind. Ensure the context clearly reflects the reason for your assessment.

Common error

Avoid using "this is mean" in highly formal or professional settings. Opt for more nuanced language that specifies the exact nature of the wrongdoing or unfairness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this is mean" primarily functions as an evaluative statement, expressing disapproval or a negative judgment about a situation or action. Ludwig AI confirms its usability. Examples show it used in direct reactions to perceived injustices or unkind behavior.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

40%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "this is mean" is a phrase used to express disapproval or a negative judgment about a situation, indicating that something is unfair or unkind. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a grammatically correct and usable phrase. While relatively straightforward, its informal nature suggests it's better suited for casual conversation or expressing personal feelings rather than formal or professional contexts. As sources show, it's used in News, Wiki and less frequently in Science. Alternatives to "this is mean" include phrases like "that's unkind" or "that's unfair", which may be more appropriate depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that's unkind

Replaces "mean" with "unkind", softening the tone slightly.

that's unfair

Focuses on the injustice or inequity of the situation.

that's not nice

A more general expression of disapproval, suitable for various contexts.

that's cruel

Emphasizes the harsh or pitiless nature of the action.

that's harsh

Highlights the severity or unpleasantness of the situation.

that's inconsiderate

Points out the lack of thought or concern for others.

that's insensitive

Emphasizes the lack of awareness or understanding of someone's feelings.

that's inappropriate

Indicates that the behavior is unsuitable for the context.

that's unacceptable

Conveys a strong sense of disapproval and rejection of the behavior.

that's below the belt

Implies that the action was unfair and took advantage of a vulnerability.

FAQs

How can I use "this is mean" in a sentence?

You can use "this is mean" to express disapproval of someone's actions, as in, "He didn't invite her to the party; "this is mean"".

What can I say instead of "this is mean"?

Alternatives include "that is unkind", "that is unfair", or "that is not nice", depending on the context.

Is "this is mean" too informal for business communication?

Yes, "this is mean" is generally too informal for business communication. Consider using more professional alternatives, such as "that is inappropriate" or "that is unacceptable".

What's the difference between "this is mean" and "this is cruel"?

"This is mean" suggests unkindness or unfairness, while "this is cruel" implies a deliberate act of causing pain or suffering. Cruel is a stronger term than mean.