unforthcoming

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "unforthcoming" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe someone who is not willing to provide information or is being evasive in communication. Example: "Despite repeated questions, the witness remained unforthcoming about the details of the incident."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Their steward, India's prime minister Manmohan Singh, was available, but unforthcoming.

The Economist

Japan has been over-generous to Mr Fujimori in accepting his claim of Japanese nationality; Venezuela would appear to be sheltering Mr Montesinos; and the United States has been unforthcoming about its close relationship over a decade with the former intelligence chief.The second urgent job is to rouse the economy from paralysis induced by political uncertainty.

The Economist

The police were unforthcoming.

The Economist

I waited for Bowie to perform "Boys Keep Swinging" while Everett chased him about dressed as a transvestite city-broker, but this glee was unforthcoming.

Independent

Ripley's catchphrase, "Believe It or Not!," came with its own punctuation, lest the requisite enthusiasm prove unforthcoming.

The New Yorker

Nothing was unforthcoming about Dr. Hume.

The New Yorker

To his credit, he was unforthcoming.

The New York Times - Magazine

I went through a few books by Henry James, Knut Hamsun, Nietzsche, Jane Austen, Emily Brontë, Charlotte Brontë, Thomas Mann, but found them unforthcoming.

The Guardian - Books

All of which only leaves it for me to wish Gene Wilder a happy 75th birthday, an event justly commemorated by Arbogast on Film - hopefully, even if a chorus of Puttin' on the Ritz was unforthcoming on the day, there was at least a quick round of the Oompa Loompa song instead..

The Guardian - Film

Boulton has hardly been unforthcoming about his views of the Blair government's media machine, describing it as 'a very degraded and debauched process... the culture of the Blair administration is that they feel they're serving a higher cause than the truth'.

The Guardian

Signs of an imminent new-ball-based breakthrough unforthcoming.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "unforthcoming" when you want to describe someone or something that is unwilling to provide information or is being deliberately evasive. It often implies a reluctance to cooperate or share details.

Common error

Avoid using "unforthcoming" in very informal or casual conversations, as it can sound overly formal or even slightly accusatory. Opt for simpler alternatives like "not talking" or "not sharing" in those contexts.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "unforthcoming" is as an adjective. It modifies nouns, describing their characteristic of being unwilling to divulge information or being evasive. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

94%

Formal & Business

3%

Science

3%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "unforthcoming" serves as an adjective to describe a lack of willingness to provide information or a tendency to be evasive. Ludwig AI confirms that the term is valid. Common in news and media contexts, it suggests a neutral register suitable for describing reluctance or lack of transparency. While grammatically sound, "unforthcoming" should be used judiciously, avoiding overly casual settings. Alternatives like "reserved" or "reticent" offer nuanced substitutes depending on the specific context. Despite its proper usage, remember to use it correctly to avoid sounding accusatory.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

uncommunicative

Directly describes a lack of communication or willingness to share information.

reluctant to disclose

Explicitly states a hesitation or unwillingness to reveal information.

tight-lipped

Emphasizes a refusal to speak about something, often a secret.

close-mouthed

Similar to tight-lipped, emphasizing a refusal to speak.

reticent

Suggests a disinclination to speak freely, often due to shyness or caution.

guarded

Highlights a cautious approach to sharing information, due to suspicion or vulnerability.

evasive

Suggests an attempt to avoid answering questions directly or honestly.

reserved

Implies a deliberate choice to keep one's thoughts and feelings private.

secretive

Implies an active effort to keep information hidden or confidential.

taciturn

Indicates a habitual silence or reluctance to engage in conversation.

FAQs

How to use "unforthcoming" in a sentence?

You can use "unforthcoming" to describe a person, an entity or a situation that is unwilling to give information or express themselves. For example: "The witness was "unforthcoming" during the interrogation" or "The company has been "unforthcoming" about the details of the merger".

What can I say instead of "unforthcoming"?

You can use alternatives like "reserved", "reticent", or "evasive" depending on the context. Each word carries a slightly different nuance related to the reason for not being open.

Which is correct, "unforthcoming" or "not forthcoming"?

"Unforthcoming" is generally preferred as a single-word adjective, but "not forthcoming" is also grammatically correct and can be used for emphasis or in situations where you want to avoid a more formal tone.

What's the difference between "unforthcoming" and "secretive"?

"Unforthcoming" suggests a reluctance to provide information when asked, while "secretive" implies a deliberate effort to keep information hidden, even without being directly questioned. "Secretive" indicates a more proactive approach to concealing information.