# alienating

/ˈeɪɫiəˌneɪtɪŋ/ (US) · /ˈeɪliənˌeɪtɪŋ/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/alienating
Updated: 2026-05-18

## Definition

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.

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- The new office layout is very alienating for new employees.
- The strict dress code was so alienating that many young staff members felt they could not be themselves at work.
- The government's failure to engage with local communities during the planning phase led to a deeply alienating process that reinforced existing social divisions.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.