ENGLISH
REFERENCE

alienating

v.
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈeɪɫiəˌneɪtɪŋ// UK //ˈeɪliənˌeɪtɪŋ// alien·at·ing

v. making someone feel like they do not belong or are not wanted. It describes a situation where you feel completely separate from a group or a place.

v. causing a feeling of exclusion or estrangement from a group, environment, or social circle. Often describes policies, behaviors, or physical spaces that make individuals feel like outsiders.


SIMPLE

The new office layout is very alienating for new employees.

CONTEXTUAL

The strict dress code was so alienating that many young staff members felt they could not be themselves at work.

COMPLEX

The government's failure to engage with local communities during the planning phase led to a deeply alienating process that reinforced existing social divisions.

Synonyms

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