uncooperative

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "uncooperative" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something that is not willing to cooperate or work with others. Example: "The team faced challenges because of one uncooperative member who refused to collaborate on the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He was only wearing a sweatshirt as a CIA officer has ordered his clothes to be removed earlier after judging him to be uncooperative during an interrogation.

The Guardian

But from his early teens, Sam was an uncooperative participant in the communal programme.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"Higher testosterone is seen as disagreeable and uncooperative, so when you ask people to rate feminine and masculine faces for short-and long-term relationships, you get different preferences.

The Guardian - Film

Countries eager to retain a tax haven tag such as Austria, Luxembourg and Switzerland were allowed to keep their banking secrecy laws, but were required to impose a withholding tax on interest-bearing assets.However, Liechtenstein is one of three tax havens, along with Monaco and Andorra, that the OECD has blacklisted as being "uncooperative".

The Economist

Under what is known as the "Primakov doctrine", Russian diplomacy has become more prickly and uncooperative, even reckless.In this section Heil to the hopeless!

The Economist

He speculated that the unproductive firms were able to survive because better-managed businesses were limited in their ability to expand thanks to uncooperative capital markets and, intriguingly, a dearth of trustworthy managers.The problem is not the absence of people who know how to run businesses but the society at large.

The Economist

If the stakes are so high, and the decision ultimately his, would he really let an uncooperative Congress stand in his way?The diplomatic effort puts off that decision.

The Economist

He is only half kidding when he says: "we might almost be better with Rod Blagojevich on work release in his orange jumpsuit running the state than the current governor".This is a bit unfair to Mr Quinn, who has taken steps to deal with Illinois's fiscal problems despite an uncooperative state legislature.

The Economist

"The Paris Club saw that, for the first time, Argentina really wanted to pay," says Luis Secco of Perspectiv@s, a consultancy, "and they weren't going to say no to such a complicated and uncooperative debtor".Settling with the Paris Club is one of three measures investors and economists have prescribed in order for Argentina to regain access to markets.

The Economist

On December 4th, the launch was delayed due to a number of factors a boat straying into the rocket range, gusts of wind and finally some uncooperative fuel valves and instead the mission was successfully completed the following day.

The Economist

Harry Johnston proved uncooperative in administering Nyasaland.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context when using the term "uncooperative". In formal settings, more neutral alternatives like "non-compliant" might be preferable.

Common error

Avoid simply labeling someone as "uncooperative" without explaining why they are perceived that way. Without context, it can sound accusatory and vague. Instead, detail the specific actions or behaviors that demonstrate a lack of cooperation.

Linguistic Context

The adjective "uncooperative" primarily functions to describe a person, entity, or even an object that is unwilling to cooperate or collaborate. As seen in Ludwig, the term is widely used in various contexts to denote a lack of willingness to assist or comply.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

14%

Science

36%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "uncooperative" is a commonly used adjective that describes a lack of willingness to collaborate or assist. As Ludwig AI points out, it's grammatically correct and widely employed across different contexts, especially in news and media. When using "uncooperative", consider providing specific examples and tailoring the language to the formality of the situation. Alternatives such as "non-compliant" or "resistant" might be suitable for more formal settings. Be aware of the potential for misinterpretation and provide enough context to avoid sounding accusatory.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Non-compliant

Indicates a failure or refusal to adhere to rules or requests, often in a formal setting.

Resistant

Suggests active opposition or reluctance to accept or comply with something.

Unaccommodating

Indicates a lack of willingness to help or make allowances for others.

Defiant

Implies a bold or insolent refusal to obey authority.

Obstinate

Highlights stubbornness and unwillingness to change one's mind or course of action.

Disobedient

Specifically refers to failing to follow instructions or commands.

Intransigent

Emphasizes a complete refusal to compromise or agree.

Difficult

A more general term indicating that someone or something is hard to deal with or manage.

Adversarial

Suggests a hostile or conflicting relationship.

Antagonistic

Implies active hostility or opposition.

FAQs

How can I use "uncooperative" in a sentence?

You can use "uncooperative" to describe someone or something that is unwilling to work with others or follow instructions. For example, "The witness was "uncooperative" during the investigation".

What are some alternatives to saying "uncooperative"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "non-compliant", "resistant", or "difficult".

Is it better to say "uncooperative" or "not cooperative"?

"Uncooperative" is generally more concise and commonly used than "not cooperative". Both are grammatically correct, but "uncooperative" often carries a slightly stronger connotation of unwillingness.

When is it appropriate to describe someone as "uncooperative"?

It's appropriate when someone is actively hindering progress or refusing to collaborate in a situation where cooperation is expected or required. However, ensure you have concrete examples to support the assessment.