unlivable

USAGE SUMMARY

'unlivable' is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe a place or environment that is not suitable for people to live in, either because it is unsafe, unclean, or otherwise not suitable. For example, "The refugee camp was so overrun with disease that it was rendered completely unlivable."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

How can art depict and respond to the crisis, reflect the monstrous societal forces that render many black lives unlivable or simply unlived, and yet be — as art — free, personal, intimate, and beautiful?

The New Yorker

When they did not, mobile forces razed their houses to the ground.It is for this kind of incident that Port Moresby is usually ranked as one of the world's most unlivable cities in the Economist Intelligence Unit's liveability index.

The Economist

Hathaway then joined the ensemble cast of Nolan's space drama Interstellar (2014), playing a scientist attempting to locate a habitable planet after Earth is rendered unlivable by war and famine.

Encyclopedia Britannica

And they make the lives of people who blow the whistle, when they catch them, unlivable by the methods described in Salting The Battlefield".

Independent

Local officials said 34 homes in Kolontar were unlivable.

Independent

They are places where life has become unlivable for much of the population, who will take any risk to escape.

Independent

The most interesting theory about the head-butt was a bit Camusian: Zidane, one writer said, was lashing out not just at the Italian who had insulted him but at the unlivable role that he had been slotted into by the French.

The New Yorker

In 1887, Bly got a job in a Lower East Side tenement making boxes for an unlivable salary.

The New Yorker

Billions were poured into housing projects that proved unlivable.

The New Yorker

Isaac Stone Fish on China's unlivable cities, for Foreign Policy: But mostly, people drink.

The New Yorker

If, after a large-scale American withdrawal, Iraq becomes unlivable for such people, then it would be in America's interest to evacuate those who request it, and contingency plans for mass airlifts and expatriation should be made before a crisis comes.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a place as "unlivable", specify the reasons why. For example, instead of just saying "The city is unlivable", explain that it is "unlivable due to extreme pollution and overcrowding."

Common error

Avoid using "unlivable" as a general term of disapproval. Instead, focus on the specific aspects that make a place difficult to live in, such as lack of resources, safety concerns, or environmental hazards. Provide concrete details to support your assertion.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "unlivable" is as an adjective modifying a noun. It describes something that is not fit for living, as seen in Ludwig's examples such as ""unlivable" cities" or ""unlivable" planet". Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

83%

Encyclopedias

5%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "unlivable" is an adjective used to describe environments or situations unfit for habitation. Ludwig's analysis indicates it's a grammatically correct and frequently used word. The usage is particularly prevalent in news and media, where it describes cities, planets, or conditions rendered unsuitable for life due to various factors such as pollution, disasters, or political instability. According to Ludwig AI, the term is suitable for general usage when you want to describe a place or environment that is not suitable for people to live in, either because it is unsafe, unclean, or otherwise not suitable. Ludwig also provides examples demonstrating the range of contexts in which "unlivable" is appropriately used.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

uninhabitable

Focuses specifically on the inability to inhabit a place, often due to physical conditions.

uninhabitable conditions

Highlights the poor quality of conditions preventing one from living there.

not fit for habitation

A formal way of saying a place is not suitable to live in.

impossible to live in

Emphasizes the impossibility of sustaining life in a particular environment.

inhospitable

Describes a place that doesn't offer favorable conditions for living, often referring to climate or environment.

unsustainable living environment

Focuses on the inability to maintain a certain quality of life or living standards over time.

intolerable living conditions

Highlights the difficulty in enduring the current circumstances of living.

unbearable to reside in

Stresses the discomfort and adversity of living in a specific place.

substandard living situation

Refers to a situation where the living conditions are below an acceptable level.

not conducive to living

Describes a place that does not promote or support a healthy and positive living environment.

FAQs

How can I use "unlivable" in a sentence?

You can use "unlivable" to describe a place or situation that is not suitable for living. For example, "The war had made the city "unlivable" for many residents" or "The extreme heat made the desert "unlivable" without adequate water supplies".

What are some synonyms for "unlivable"?

Alternatives to "unlivable" include "uninhabitable", "inhospitable", and "not fit for habitation". The best choice depends on the specific context and the reasons why a place is difficult to live in.

Is it correct to use "unlivable" to describe a temporary situation?

Yes, "unlivable" can describe temporary situations. For instance, "The apartment was "unlivable" after the flood until repairs were completed". However, consider using words like "difficult" or "challenging" if the situation is merely inconvenient rather than fundamentally unsuitable for life.

What makes a place "unlivable"?

A place can be considered "unlivable" for various reasons, including environmental disasters, extreme weather conditions, lack of resources, political instability, high crime rates, or severe pollution. The specific factors depend on the context. The opposite is "livable", which means the environment is friendly.