unsupportive

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "unsupportive" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something that does not provide support or encouragement. Example: "Her unsupportive comments made it difficult for him to feel confident in his decision."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It is not just about giving more support but knowing where the boundaries are, and when not to engage with support – this is not the same as being unsupportive.

The Guardian

It is easier to succeed in the first place if you are part of a team, and the super-wealthy do not have to put up with unsupportive mates they can always find another.Nonetheless, people saw the Sandberg/Goldberg household as a model of modern feminism.

The Economist

Aidan Barclay, chairman of the Telegraph newspaper group, revealed that he encouraged the prime minister to speak to the editor of the Daily Telegraph every day during the last election campaign to assuage Tory fears that the paper was unsupportive.

The Economist

At least three unsupportive newspaper editors received death threats, and the star of a popular TV soap was sacked for declaring support for the general.

The Economist

A large minority of Germans one in four, according to one recent poll are unsupportive of the euro.

The Economist

Other trustees were equally unsupportive.

The Economist

Kokoschka taught himself to paint in oils and executed some canvases, but economic necessity forced him to spend most of his time on decorative work, and the general artistic milieu around him continued to be unsupportive of his creative aspirations.

Encyclopedia Britannica

During a career that spanned 50 years (1929 79), Takamine was most noted for her roles as strong-willed women from lower economic backgrounds who rose to success and independence despite the unsupportive men in their lives.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"With regards to the high dropout rate, I feel it is down to unsupportive schools, personal motivation and time management issues.

Independent

Members of online fan community prince.org seem largely unsupportive of their idol's latest legal mission.

Independent

Civil servants were "very unsupportive" at the time, she told BBC Radio 4's Women's Hour.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's behavior as "unsupportive", provide specific examples to illustrate the lack of support. This adds credibility and clarity to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "unsupportive" as a vague criticism without context. Clearly articulate the actions or attitudes that constitute the lack of support to prevent misunderstandings.

Linguistic Context

The adjective "unsupportive" primarily functions to describe a person, environment, or system that does not provide the necessary assistance, encouragement, or resources. Ludwig AI shows examples in various contexts, from describing family members to institutions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Encyclopedias

6%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Science

24%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "unsupportive" is a common adjective used to describe a lack of assistance or encouragement. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and appears frequently in News & Media, encyclopedias, and formal business contexts. When using "unsupportive", it's best to offer specific examples of the behavior or situation you're describing. Consider alternatives like "unhelpful" or "discouraging" to add nuance. Be mindful to avoid vague generalizations when employing the term. Remember that describing specific instances of "unsupportive" behavior provides clarity to your writing. The frequent use of "unsupportive" across various authoritative sources highlights its relevance and importance in effectively conveying a lack of support.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not supportive

Direct negation of "supportive", maintaining a very close semantic equivalence.

lacking support

Focuses on the absence of support, highlighting the deficiency.

unhelpful

Indicates a failure to provide assistance or be of service.

discouraging

Implies actively dissuading or undermining confidence.

negative

Conveys a generally unfavorable or pessimistic attitude.

critical

Suggests a tendency to find fault or express disapproval.

indifferent

Highlights a lack of interest or concern.

hostile

Indicates an antagonistic or unfriendly disposition.

opposing

Signifies active resistance or disagreement.

unsympathetic

Emphasizes a lack of compassion or understanding.

FAQs

How can I use "unsupportive" in a sentence?

You can use "unsupportive" to describe someone or something that doesn't provide help or encouragement. For instance, "His family was "unsupportive" of his career change."

What are some alternatives to the word "unsupportive"?

Depending on the context, you could use "unhelpful", "discouraging", or "negative" as alternatives to "unsupportive".

Is it correct to say someone is being "unsupportive"?

Yes, saying someone is being "unsupportive" is grammatically correct and widely understood to mean they are not providing the expected or needed support.

What is the difference between "unsupportive" and "disapproving"?

"Unsupportive" generally indicates a lack of active help or encouragement, while "disapproving" implies a feeling or expression of disagreement or condemnation. Someone can be "disapproving" without necessarily being "unsupportive", and vice versa.