uncomfortable ideas

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "uncomfortable ideas" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to thoughts or concepts that provoke discomfort or challenge conventional beliefs. Example: "The seminar focused on uncomfortable ideas that often go unaddressed in society, encouraging participants to engage in open dialogue."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

A proper university teaches its members how not to take hateful views personally, and how not to be offended by uncomfortable ideas.

The New York Times

Somebody will have made a decision not to circulate a manifesto like this in English because it contains uncomfortable ideas that may not sit well with the average Western girl looking to join the group".

Independent

With its endless back-and-forth of uncomfortable ideas, and its defiant refusal (right up to the famous double quotations ending) to let on what its own conclusions were, it was and remains a true one-off – a film at once as intense as a city in the grip of a heatwave, and as bracing as the storm that comes after.

The Guardian - Film

"We're very eager to bring edgy, uncomfortable ideas into the public space for free.

Vice

Former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg tried to underscore the importance of "challenging and uncomfortable ideas" by sharing a few of his own with some fresh-faced college grads. .

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

This may be an uncomfortable idea.

The Guardian - Tech

That's an uncomfortable idea because traditionally countries that innovate are among the wealthiest.

The Economist

Or does it accept the uncomfortable idea that parts of New York will occasionally flood and that the smarter method is to make the local infrastructure more elastic and better able to recover?

The New York Times

Britishness when it is equated with nationalism has long been an uncomfortable idea for those outside the right wing of politics where "us" is very clearly differentiated from "them".

The Guardian

Radovan Karadzic's myth-making doesn't contradict this position, but explodes any cosiness there may have been in occupying it, opening the uncomfortable idea that another word for "myth" may be "lie".

The Guardian - Books

Or does it accept the uncomfortable idea that parts of New York will occasionally flood and that the smarter method is to make the local infrastructure more elastic and better able to recover? Background Vocabulary: Read the entire article with your class, then answer the questions below.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When introducing "uncomfortable ideas", provide context and a safe space for discussion to encourage open dialogue and critical thinking.

Common error

Do not introduce "uncomfortable ideas" abruptly or without considering the audience's perspective. Providing a thoughtful introduction and acknowledging potential sensitivities can foster more constructive engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "uncomfortable ideas" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where 'uncomfortable' modifies the noun 'ideas'. It describes ideas that are unsettling, challenging, or contrary to established norms. As Ludwig AI pointed out, it refers to thoughts or concepts that provoke discomfort.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "uncomfortable ideas" refer to thoughts or concepts that challenge conventional beliefs and evoke discomfort. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and usable in English. While not exceedingly common, the phrase appears primarily in news and media contexts, often to stimulate critical discussion. When employing this phrase, it's advisable to provide context and sensitivity to promote constructive engagement. Consider alternatives like "challenging concepts" or "provocative notions" depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

challenging concepts

Emphasizes the intellectual challenge presented by the ideas.

disturbing thoughts

Highlights the unsettling nature of the ideas.

provocative notions

Focuses on the stimulating and potentially controversial aspect of the ideas.

contentious opinions

Stresses the likelihood of disagreement or debate surrounding the ideas.

unsettling beliefs

Highlights the potential to disrupt one's sense of stability.

awkward concepts

Suggests ideas that are socially or intellectually clumsy.

difficult thoughts

Focuses on the cognitive effort required to process the ideas.

sensitive subjects

Emphasizes the potentially emotional or delicate nature of the ideas.

controversial viewpoints

Highlights the divisive nature of the ideas.

radical proposals

Focuses on ideas that are drastically different from the norm.

FAQs

How can I use "uncomfortable ideas" in a sentence?

You can use "uncomfortable ideas" to refer to concepts or viewpoints that challenge conventional thinking or cause discomfort. For example, "The lecture explored "uncomfortable ideas" about societal norms".

What are some alternatives to "uncomfortable ideas"?

Alternatives include "challenging concepts", "disturbing thoughts", or "provocative notions", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to introduce "uncomfortable ideas" in all contexts?

No, it's important to consider your audience and the setting. Introducing "uncomfortable ideas" may be more appropriate in academic or professional settings where critical discussion is encouraged, than in casual conversation.

How do "uncomfortable ideas" differ from simply 'bad ideas'?

"Uncomfortable ideas" are not necessarily 'bad'; they are simply ideas that challenge existing beliefs or norms and may cause discomfort. A 'bad idea' is generally ineffective or harmful, regardless of whether it is also "uncomfortable ideas".