unavailable for comment

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "unavailable for comment" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe a person who cannot or will not comment on a certain matter. For example: "The CEO was unavailable for comment regarding the allegations of financial impropriety."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Blockbuster was unavailable for comment.

Independent

Disney's was unavailable for comment.

Independent

He was unavailable for comment.

Independent

PwC was unavailable for comment.

Independent

ITV was unavailable for comment.

The Guardian

Arcadia was unavailable for comment.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Lindros was unavailable for comment.

The New York Times - Sports

CoSport was unavailable for comment.

The Guardian - Sport

Marbury was unavailable for comment.

The New York Times - Sports

McIntyre was unavailable for comment.

The Guardian

GoGen was unavailable for comment.

The Guardian - Money

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "unavailable for comment" when you have genuinely attempted to reach someone for their perspective on a matter but were unsuccessful or they declined to provide it. Be sure you have actually made an attempt.

Common error

Don't state that someone is "unavailable for comment" without first making a reasonable effort to contact them. Falsely claiming unavailability can damage your credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unavailable for comment" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun (usually a person or organization) to indicate their lack of participation in providing information. Ludwig AI confirms this is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "unavailable for comment" is a grammatically correct adjectival phrase widely employed, especially in news and media, to indicate that a person or organization could not be reached for a statement or declined to provide one. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and usability. Common alternatives include "declined to comment" or "could not be reached for comment". When using the phrase, ensure you have genuinely attempted contact and avoid assuming unavailability prematurely. The phrase's frequency and consistent usage in reputable sources highlight its importance in journalism and reporting, showing its communicative function of reporting a lack of input from a source.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

no comment

A brief expression declining to comment.

declined to comment

Focuses on the choice not to speak, rather than the inability.

could not be reached for comment

Emphasizes the inability to establish contact.

did not respond to requests for comment

Highlights the lack of response after a specific request.

offered no statement

Indicates the absence of any official announcement or remark.

opting not to comment

Emphasizes the conscious decision to abstain from commenting.

refused to be interviewed

Highlights the refusal of a formal interview.

refrained from commenting

Indicates a deliberate choice to avoid making any statements.

remained silent on the matter

Emphasizes the continued absence of any response.

was not willing to discuss the issue

Focuses on the unwillingness to engage in conversation about a specific topic.

FAQs

What does it mean when someone is "unavailable for comment"?

It means the person either could not be reached for a statement or declined to provide one on a particular issue. It's commonly used in journalism to indicate a lack of input from a key party.

How do I use "unavailable for comment" in a sentence?

Use it to report that someone did not provide a statement. For example: "When approached for a response, the CEO was "unavailable for comment"."

What can I say instead of "unavailable for comment"?

You can use alternatives like "declined to comment", "could not be reached for comment", or "no comment".

Is "unavailable for comment" a formal or informal phrase?

It's generally considered a neutral phrase suitable for both formal and informal contexts, especially in journalism and reporting. However, avoid it in contexts requiring a more detailed explanation.