unsavory activities

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "unsavory activities" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe actions or behaviors that are morally questionable or unpleasant. Example: "The investigation revealed a series of unsavory activities that raised concerns among the community."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

Documentary photographs are accused of lying and documentary photographers of exploitation, condescension, pandering and related unsavory activities.

The New York Times - Arts

The young couple, tenants said, settled in with a man on another floor, where they still live, continuing their unsavory activities.

The New York Times

Within the show's first 10 or 15 minutes these guys have casually linked themselves to unsavory activities that include graft, bribery, political patronage and sex (en masse) with a retarded girl in high school.

The New York Times

Mr. O'Keefe came to Mr. Breitbart and BigGovernment after he filmed video of his undercover interaction with Acorn workers as they appeared to advise him on how to avoid prosecution for a variety of unsavory activities, like child prostitution.

The New York Times

The idiom applies not just to sausages but to the unsavory activities that are the backdrop for what we enjoy or admire, from law to medicine to politics to whatever.

The New Yorker

Ms. van Grouw thanks those who tolerated her "unsavory activities" — the defeathering, skinning and disassembling of birds that made her drawings and the book possible — and so should readers, for the entirely savory result.

The New York Times - Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

For a minuscule town in the middle of nowhere, there sure seems to be a lot of unsavory activity.

The New York Times - Books

Stephen M. Cutler, director of the commission's enforcement division, warned that there had been an increase in unsavory activity in the industry.

The New York Times

"There is a worry that there may be a pattern of this unsavory activity that is not in the best interest of the free market or investors," said Jeffrey A. Hirsch, editor of The Stock Trader's Almanac.

The New York Times

But FIFA's critics frequently note that Blatter has stayed remarkably upright as the people around him seem to topple amid charges of bribery, conflict of interest and other unsavory activity.

The New York Times - Sports

Securities lending is sufficiently profitable that it has spawned its own underworld of unsavory activity.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "unsavory activities", ensure the context clearly indicates the specific nature of the actions being described. While the phrase implies moral or ethical concerns, providing specific details can strengthen your message.

Common error

Avoid using "unsavory activities" as a catch-all term without providing context. Overusing it can weaken the impact of your writing. Instead, specify the particular actions or behaviors that are problematic, enhancing clarity and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unsavory activities" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where the adjective "unsavory" modifies the noun "activities". As Ludwig AI states, it describes actions or behaviors that are morally questionable or unpleasant.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Reference

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "unsavory activities" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed expression used to depict actions that are morally questionable or unpleasant. As Ludwig AI confirms, it effectively conveys disapproval and ethical concerns, predominantly within the realm of news and media. While versatile, writers should aim for specificity rather than vague generalities when describing the activities. Alternatives such as "distasteful actions", "questionable behaviors", and "reprehensible conduct" can offer nuanced perspectives, enriching the precision and impact of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

distasteful actions

Replaces 'unsavory' with 'distasteful', focusing on the unpleasant or disagreeable nature of the actions.

questionable behaviors

Replaces 'unsavory' with 'questionable' and 'activities' with 'behaviors', highlighting the doubtful or uncertain morality of the actions.

reprehensible conduct

Uses more formal terms like 'reprehensible' and 'conduct' to emphasize the blameworthy nature of the actions.

unethical practices

Focuses on the lack of moral principles in the activities.

illicit dealings

Highlights the unlawful or forbidden nature of the activities.

deplorable acts

Emphasizes the shocking and deeply regrettable nature of the actions.

scandalous affairs

Suggests activities that are likely to cause public outrage and damage reputations.

dubious undertakings

Implies that the activities are of uncertain or questionable value and may involve risk.

corrupt practices

Specifically denotes activities involving bribery, dishonesty, or fraudulent behavior.

nefarious deeds

Highlights the wickedness and evil nature of the actions.

FAQs

How can I use "unsavory activities" in a sentence?

You can use "unsavory activities" to describe actions that are morally questionable or unpleasant. For example: "The investigation revealed a series of "unsavory activities" that raised concerns among the community."

What can I say instead of "unsavory activities"?

Alternatives include "distasteful actions", "questionable behaviors", or "reprehensible conduct" depending on the specific context.

What is the difference between "unsavory activities" and "illegal activities"?

"Unsavory activities" implies moral or ethical concerns, while "illegal activities" refers specifically to actions that violate the law. While some actions can be both "unsavory activities" and illegal, the terms are not interchangeable.

In what contexts is it appropriate to use "unsavory activities"?

It is appropriate to use "unsavory activities" in contexts where you want to describe actions that are morally questionable, unpleasant, or disreputable without necessarily being illegal. It's often used in news reporting, academic analysis, and general discussions about ethics and behavior.