unalienable right

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "unalienable right" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in discussions about fundamental human rights that cannot be taken away or denied. Example: "The Declaration of Independence asserts that all individuals are endowed with certain unalienable rights, including life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

34 human-written examples

"It seems that there's this unalienable right to travel".

The New York Times

Some people want to exercise their unalienable right to pursue happiness right now.

The New York Times

To the average American teenager, for better or worse, prom feels like an unalienable right.

The New York Times

THE pursuit of happiness, runs one of the most consequential sentences ever penned, is an unalienable right.

The Economist

"Serving in the military is not an unalienable right, it's a privilege, you're selected," replied the candidate, who wants to restore "don't ask, don't tell".

The New York Times

"There seems to be this unalienable right, that I don't understand, that if you're ever assaulted by a juvenile, you can never let anyone know who they are".

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

3. The Creator gives to man certain unalienable rights.

The New York Times - Magazine

Who decides when a government has become destructive of the unalienable rights of men?

The Economist

The Declaration of Independence says we were endowed by our creator with certain unalienable rights.

The Guardian

The Unalienable Rights of Chimps," by Adam Cohen (Editorial Observer, July 14), unfairly characterized PETA's efforts.

The New York Times

If we are to return to our values, it means recognizing the unalienable rights of all.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "unalienable right" when referring to rights that are considered inherent and cannot be legitimately taken away, such as those listed in the Declaration of Independence: life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

Common error

Avoid using "unalienable right" to describe privileges or entitlements that are granted by a specific legal system or government, as these can be altered or revoked. Focus on rights that are considered fundamental to human existence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unalienable right" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "unalienable" modifies the noun "right". According to Ludwig AI, the term is correctly used and refers to rights that cannot be legitimately surrendered or taken away.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

74%

Formal & Business

14%

Science

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "unalienable right" is a powerful term used to describe fundamental human rights that cannot be taken away or surrendered. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in legal, political, and human rights discussions. It is important to use the term accurately, reserving it for rights considered inherent and universal, such as the rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Alternatives include "inherent right" and "inalienable right". Though primarily found in news and media, the term has a register that varies from neutral to formal depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

inalienable right

A synonym for "unalienable right", stresses the inability to be transferred or surrendered.

inherent right

Emphasizes the right as naturally belonging to an individual.

natural right

Indicates the right is derived from natural law, not granted by government.

fundamental right

Highlights the right's basic and essential nature.

basic human right

Focuses on the right as essential for human dignity and existence.

indefeasible right

Highlights the right as not capable of being annulled or made void.

untouchable right

Stresses the right as immune from interference or violation.

guaranteed right

Focuses on the right being protected by law or constitution.

absolute right

Indicates the right is not qualified or conditional.

God-given right

Emphasizes the right as originating from a divine source.

FAQs

What does "unalienable right" mean?

An "unalienable right" is a right that cannot be taken away, denied, or transferred. It is considered inherent to being human, such as the rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

Which is correct, "inalienable" or "unalienable" right?

"Inalienable" and "unalienable" are often used interchangeably to describe rights that cannot be taken away. "Unalienable" is the original spelling from the Declaration of Independence, while "inalienable" is a more common modern variant.

What are examples of "unalienable rights"?

Common examples of "unalienable rights" include the rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. These rights are considered fundamental and inherent to all individuals.

Can a government ever infringe on an "unalienable right"?

While "unalienable rights" are considered inherent, governments may still infringe upon them. However, such actions are often seen as violations of fundamental principles and may lead to legal challenges or social unrest. Learn more about fundamental rights like "basic human right" and "natural right".