Definition

Adjective: 1. Causing feelings of hostility, unfriendliness, or estrangement: Describes an action, behavior, or quality that pushes others away, making them feel unwelcome, disconnected, or antagonistic.

Usage

The adjective "alienating" is used to describe something that has the effect of isolating someone or creating a sense of distance and hostility. It often modifies nouns referring to behaviors, actions, policies, or attitudes.

Examples

• The manager's alienating criticism demoralized the entire team.
• His alienating remarks during the meeting created an atmosphere of tension.
• The new policy, while well-intentioned, had an alienating effect on long-term employees.

Advanced Usage

• "Alienating effect": A common collocation describing the result of an action that causes estrangement.
  • The film's complex jargon had an alienating effect on general audiences.
• "Found it alienating": A phrase describing a personal experience of feeling excluded or distanced.
  • Many newcomers found the club's exclusive culture alienating.

Variants and Related Words

• Alienate (verb): To cause someone to feel isolated or estranged.
  • His actions served only to alienate his allies.
• Alienation (noun): The state or experience of being alienated.
  • The policy led to widespread alienation among the workforce.

Synonyms

• Estranging: Causing someone to cease being close or friendly.
• Antagonizing: Causing someone to become hostile.
• Off-putting: Causing a feeling of dislike or wariness.
• Disaffecting: Causing to lose loyalty or affection.

Antonyms

• Endearing: Inspiring affection or warmth.
• Unifying: Causing to become one; bringing together.
• Inclusive: Not excluding any group; aiming to include all.

Related Phrases

• To be alienating: Used to describe the inherent quality of something.
  • Constant negativity can be very alienating.
• Risk alienating: Used to warn of a potential negative consequence.
  • The government's stance could risk alienating key voters.

Adjective

1. causing hostility or loss of friendliness
   • her sudden alienating aloofness