undesirable for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "undesirable for" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that something is not in someone's best interest or is not preferred. For example, "Living in the city is undesirable for those who prefer a quiet and tranquil lifestyle."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This is undesirable for two reasons.

The Guardian - Opinion

that make them undesirable for many applications.

Journal of Microbiological Methods

This is obviously undesirable for any kind of production application.

Nature

They deem it undesirable for the most part.

The New York Times

A takeover by renegade generals or other disaffected Germans was undesirable for similar reasons.

The New Yorker

"Areas that were undesirable for one generation become prized property for the next," Professor Corey said.

The New York Times

"Mike Tyson makes this fight undesirable for us," the track's general manager, Eddie Gossage, said yesterday.

The New York Times - Sports

However, mercury is undesirable for use in consumer products because of its toxicity.

Nature

On Thursday, Mr. Trichet reiterated that sharp currency moves were unwelcome and undesirable for growth.

The New York Times

That said, a large sample is sometimes impossible or even undesirable for certain kinds of studies.

University of California, Berkeley

A victory by either side would be equally undesirable for the United States.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the nuance you want to convey. While "undesirable for" suggests something is not preferred, alternatives like "detrimental to" indicate a more harmful effect.

Common error

Avoid using "undesirable for" when a stronger term like "dangerous" or "harmful" is more accurate. "Undesirable" implies a preference, while more severe terms indicate significant negative consequences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "undesirable for" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun or pronoun, indicating that something is not wanted or preferred in relation to that noun. Ludwig provides examples that demonstrate this function across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

41%

News & Media

36%

Academia

9%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "undesirable for" is a versatile and commonly used expression to denote that something is not preferred or advantageous in a given context. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. It finds frequent application in scientific, news, and academic writing, indicating a neutral to formal register. To ensure effective communication, consider specifying the entity for which something is undesirable and avoid overstating the severity of the situation when using this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not advisable for

This alternative focuses on the aspect of giving counsel or recommendations, implying that something is not a good idea.

not recommended for

This suggests that something is officially discouraged or that experts do not suggest it.

unsuitable for

Highlights that something doesn't fit or isn't appropriate for a specific situation or purpose.

inappropriate for

Indicates that something is not fitting or proper, especially in terms of social norms or ethical standards.

detrimental to

Emphasizes the damaging or harmful effects of something.

disadvantageous to

Focuses on the lack of benefit or the creation of obstacles.

counterproductive to

Highlights that something has the opposite of the intended effect.

not conducive to

This option suggests that it does not contribute positively.

ill-advised for

Suggests something is unwise, poorly thought out, or rash.

unfavorable to

Emphasizes a lack of support, approval, or positive conditions.

FAQs

How can I use "undesirable for" in a sentence?

You can use "undesirable for" to indicate that something is not preferred or advantageous in a particular situation. For instance, "High inflation is "undesirable for" economic growth" or "A sedentary lifestyle is "undesirable for" overall health".

What are some alternatives to "undesirable for"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "not advisable for", "unsuitable for", or "detrimental to". The best alternative depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "undesirable for" formal or informal?

"Undesirable for" is generally considered a neutral to formal phrase. It's appropriate for use in academic writing, news articles, and professional communications.

What's the difference between "undesirable for" and "unfavorable for"?

While both phrases indicate a negative aspect, "undesirable for" suggests something is not preferred or wanted, while "unfavorable for" implies that circumstances are not supportive or advantageous. For example, "The climate is "undesirable for" certain crops", versus "The economic forecast is "unfavorable for" new investments".