uninviting

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "uninviting" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a place, situation, or atmosphere that feels unwelcoming or not appealing. Example: "The dark, cramped room had an uninviting atmosphere that made guests feel uncomfortable."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Thorium, though, is hard to turn into a bomb; not impossible, but sufficiently uninviting a prospect that America axed thorium research in the 1970s.

The Economist

Arab-Israelis are increasingly angry about being treated as second-class citizens.Many Jews from the diaspora already view Israel as spiritually impoverished and uninviting.

The Economist

Mr Wales says all this is a sign of maturity: "The project is more complete there's less to work on [Verification needed]." But insiders worry that new users perceive Wikipedia as "uninviting" and "insular".Wikipedia is already starting to look rather stiff and middle-aged.

The Economist

They concluded, not surprisingly, that people are not ready to give up on books and that they are not ready to give up on libraries, but that they find most libraries stuffy, confusing, and uninviting.

The New Yorker

The city, sixty-five kilometres from the shores of Lake Baikal, was dark, cold, and uninviting.

The New Yorker

As one drives through Joshua Tree National Park in the comfort of an air-conditioned car, the large stretch of Southern California desert may seem parched and uninviting.

The New York Times

"The Book of Mormon" made a point of uninviting us after I'd expressed interest in attending, given the crude language and explicit subject matter of the show about Mormon missionaries.

The New York Times

I have thought about approaching her with the problem, but then she might insist on not coming so that, in the process of uninviting him, I don't reveal to him that I know about their past.

The New York Times

In addition, his style is uninviting.

SEP

Most important, beneath his uninviting veneer, something about Mr Brown himself is different.He may not be charming, but at least he seems to mean it when he talks about the state's role as a bulwark against penury during a recession, and when he denounces "laissez-faire dogma".

The Economist

Colouring agents are included in their pellet food because, deprived of its natural diet of krill and shrimp, the flesh of a farmed salmon looks an uninviting shade of grey.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To enhance clarity, pair "uninviting" with specific details that contribute to the negative impression, such as "uninviting gray walls" or "uninviting, cluttered space".

Common error

Avoid using "uninviting" when a stronger term like "repulsive" or "horrific" is more appropriate. "Uninviting" implies a lack of welcome, not necessarily extreme disgust.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "uninviting" is as an adjective. It modifies nouns to describe something that lacks appeal or a welcoming quality. Ludwig AI's analysis of examples confirms its use in various descriptive contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Encyclopedias

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "uninviting" functions as an adjective used to describe something that lacks appeal or a welcoming quality. Ludwig AI confirms it's grammatically correct and commonly used across various contexts, notably in News & Media. Its primary purpose is to convey a negative impression, indicating the subject is unattractive or unwelcoming. While versatile, it's important to use "uninviting" appropriately, considering its intensity relative to other similar terms.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unwelcoming

Direct synonym replacing "inviting" with "welcoming".

unappealing

Focuses on the lack of general interest or desirability.

off-putting

Focuses on the negative impression created, similar to "uninviting".

inhospitable

Focuses on the lack of a welcoming environment.

repellent

Emphasizes a stronger feeling of aversion than "uninviting".

unattractive

Highlights the lack of visual or aesthetic appeal.

forbidding

Suggests a sense of danger or threat, making it less approachable.

unpleasant

A general term for something disagreeable, applicable to various senses.

dreary

Highlights the dull and depressing nature, often used for places or atmospheres.

disagreeable

A general term for something that causes discomfort or aversion.

FAQs

How can I use "uninviting" in a sentence?

You can use "uninviting" to describe something that is not attractive or welcoming. For example, "The abandoned house had an uninviting appearance."

What are some alternatives to the word "uninviting"?

Some alternatives to "uninviting" include "unwelcoming", "off-putting", or "unattractive" depending on the context.

What is the difference between "uninviting" and "inhospitable"?

"Uninviting" generally refers to something that lacks appeal or is not welcoming, while "inhospitable" specifically describes a place or environment that is difficult or impossible to live in or that does not offer comfort.

Is it appropriate to use "uninviting" in formal writing?

Yes, "uninviting" is appropriate for formal writing. It is a standard adjective that is well-understood and does not carry any colloquial or informal connotations.