unresponsiveness

USAGE SUMMARY

'unresponsiveness' is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it to describe a person's failure to respond to something (such as a request or question). For example, "Henry's unresponsiveness was noticeable when I asked him to do the task."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

And whatever method is chosen, such is the short-run unresponsiveness of energy demand to prices, that a tax or permit system will probably take several years to have an effect.Time, however, is running out for the government if it is to fulfil its election pledge.

The Economist

The government will also have a monopoly, vulnerable to such flaws as bloated administration, inflexible management and unresponsiveness to data.

The Economist

They prefer to blame a more general frustration at a perceived widening of social inequality and the government's unresponsiveness.

The Economist

But the AIDS saga, together with the ANC's unresponsiveness to its own supporters and its failure to deliver on its promises, has diminished the aura of moral authority the party had earned during the long struggle against apartheid.William Gumede, a political analyst, says that the moral basis of the ANC is in decline, and that it is well on the way to being judged as "just an ordinary party".

The Economist

He has closed his personal office but mail continues to flood in, most of it by recorded delivery, so people know he has got it and will send it on to the right bureaucrat.All this points to the sheer unresponsiveness of much of China's government.

The Economist

Failing to meet this aspiration, the church was widely, if diffusely, rebuked for its unresponsiveness.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Those changes mark the transition to Alzheimer dementia, which in its advanced stages is characterized by unresponsiveness and loss of mobility and control of body functions; death ensues after a disease course lasting from 2 to 20 years.

Encyclopedia Britannica

November 8, 1839 Novgorod, Russia December 24 , 1917Ivan Logginovich Goremykin, (born Oct. 27 [Nov. 8, New Style], 1839, Novgorod province, Russian Empire died Dec. 11 [Dec. 24], 1917, Caucasus), Russian official and government minister whom many view as a symbol of the unresponsiveness of the tsarist regime to the social unrest preceding the Russian Revolution.

Encyclopedia Britannica

However, an autopsy could be helpful to address questions which may arise about the cause of her unresponsiveness and eventual death".

Independent

The perceived inaptness and unresponsiveness of hierarchical organizations cast doubt on their legitimacy as an effective governing mechanism.

Encyclopedia Britannica

moma was not alone in its unresponsiveness to Rauschenberg's work — especially his later work.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "unresponsiveness" in formal writing, ensure the context clearly indicates what the subject is unresponsive to, providing specific details to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "unresponsiveness" without specifying the area or stimulus to which the subject is not responding. Overgeneralization can lead to confusion and weaken the impact of your statement.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "unresponsiveness" is as a noun. It typically acts as a subject or object in a sentence, denoting the state or quality of being unresponsive. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in describing a failure to respond.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Encyclopedias

14%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "unresponsiveness" is a grammatically correct and frequently used noun that describes a lack of reaction or response. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for formal and informal contexts, with a prevalent use in news, encyclopedias, and scientific domains. When using "unresponsiveness", specifying the context is key to avoiding ambiguity. Related phrases like "lack of response" and "apathy" offer nuanced alternatives, while its high expert rating underscores its reliability and clarity in written English. Thus, "unresponsiveness" serves as a valuable term for precisely conveying the absence of expected or necessary responses across diverse communicative scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lack of response

This alternative is a direct and literal substitute, emphasizing the absence of a reaction.

lack of reaction

This highlights the absence of any reaction or response to a stimulus.

non-reactivity

This term is more formal and scientific, denoting a state of not reacting.

insensitivity

This implies a lack of emotional or physical feeling or awareness.

apathy

This refers to a lack of interest, enthusiasm, or concern.

indifference

This suggests a lack of concern or interest in something.

passivity

This indicates a state of not actively participating or responding.

inertia

This refers to a lack of activity or movement; a tendency to remain unchanged.

torpor

This describes a state of inactivity or sluggishness.

lethargy

This signifies a lack of energy and enthusiasm.

FAQs

How can I use "unresponsiveness" in a sentence?

You can use "unresponsiveness" to describe a lack of reaction or response to something. For example, "The government's "unresponsiveness" to the crisis led to public outrage."

What are some words similar to "unresponsiveness"?

Similar words include "apathy", "indifference", and "passivity", each carrying a slightly different nuance of lacking reaction or engagement.

Is it correct to use "unresponsiveness" in formal writing?

Yes, "unresponsiveness" is a correct and usable word in written English. Its use is particularly appropriate when describing a failure to respond to a request or question.

What's the difference between "unresponsiveness" and "indifference"?

"Unresponsiveness" generally refers to a lack of reaction or reply, while "indifference" suggests a lack of interest or concern. You could describe unresponsiveness as a symptom of indifference.