ungenerous behaviour

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ungenerous behaviour" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe actions or attitudes that lack generosity or kindness towards others. Example: "His ungenerous behaviour during the charity event surprised everyone, as he refused to donate even a small amount."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

If one of your values is generosity, then when you see ungenerous behaviour taking place in your management meeting, call it out to show how it's not appropriate.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Most ungenerous.

The New York Times - Books

But this is ungenerous.

The New York Times

It's also not ungenerous.

The Guardian - Opinion

It looks, and is, ungenerous.

The New York Times - Food

Not that he is ungenerous.

The Economist

"They get tough, fibrous, ungenerous somehow.

The New York Times - Food

This is an ungenerous thought — dismiss it.

The New Yorker

Everything about that workplace was unromantic, ungenerous and unloving.

The New York Times - Magazine

BAGEHOT deplores his own ungenerous nature.

The Economist

The portion struck me at first as ungenerous.

The New York Times - Food

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When criticizing someone's actions, use "ungenerous behaviour" to point out the lack of kindness or fairness, especially when they have the means to be generous.

Common error

Avoid using "ungenerous behaviour" repeatedly in formal or business contexts; instead, vary your language with synonyms like "lack of philanthropy" or "self-serving actions" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ungenerous behaviour" functions as a description, modifying a noun (behaviour) with an adjective (ungenerous). It describes actions or conduct that lack generosity. Ludwig AI suggests that this phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "ungenerous behaviour" describes actions that lack generosity and is grammatically sound, though relatively rare in occurrence. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. Predominantly found in News & Media contexts, it serves to express disapproval of actions lacking kindness or a willingness to share. While the phrase is appropriate for neutral to formal settings, varying your language with alternatives such as "selfish actions" or "miserly conduct" is advisable in formal or business communication to avoid repetition and maintain a professional tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

miserly conduct

Replaces "ungenerous" with "miserly", emphasizing a reluctance to spend money or share resources.

stingy behavior

Uses "stingy" to highlight the act of being unwilling to give or share.

selfish actions

Focuses on the self-centered nature of the behaviour, rather than the lack of generosity.

uncharitable deeds

Replaces "behaviour" with "deeds", focusing on specific actions lacking charity.

mean-spirited behavior

Emphasizes the malicious or unkind intent behind the behaviour.

illiberal actions

Suggests actions that are narrow-minded and lacking in generosity.

niggardly conduct

Highlights extreme frugality and unwillingness to share or give.

tightfisted behavior

Uses an idiom to convey a lack of generosity and unwillingness to spend or share.

closefisted actions

Similar to tightfisted, emphasizing a reluctance to open one's hand and give.

parsimonious actions

Focuses on excessive frugality or stinginess in actions.

FAQs

How can I describe actions similar to "ungenerous behaviour"?

You can use phrases like "selfish actions", "stingy behavior", or "miserly conduct" to describe actions that lack generosity.

What is the difference between "ungenerous behaviour" and "mean behaviour"?

"Ungenerous behaviour" specifically refers to a lack of willingness to share or give, while "mean behaviour" implies intentional unkindness or cruelty. "Ungenerous behaviour" may not always be intended to harm, but mean behaviour always is.

Is "ungenerous behaviour" a formal or informal term?

"Ungenerous behaviour" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, but it is more commonly used in neutral or formal settings. For very informal settings, you might consider using phrases like "being cheap" or "being stingy".

How to use "ungenerous behaviour" in a sentence?

You might say, "His "ungenerous behaviour" during the fundraising event was surprising, considering his wealth." Another example is: "The company's "ungenerous behaviour" towards its employees led to low morale."