unresponsive
/ˌʌnrɪˈspɒnsɪv/ (bre, ipa) · [ˌʌnrispˈɑnsɪv] /ˌʌnrɪˈspɑːnsɪv/ (ame, ipa) · [ˌʌnrispˈɑnsɪv] /ˌən-ri-ˈspän(t)-siv How to pronounce unresponsive (audio)/ (ame, mw)
unresponsive — adjective
- unresponsivepositive
- more unresponsivecomparative
- most unresponsivesuperlative
1. not giving the expected reply or reaction when a response is clearly expected.
not giving the expected reply or reaction when a response is clearly expected.
The company remained unresponsive to customer complaints for weeks, never answering calls or replying to emails.
unresponsive + to + noun phrase (complaints)
Naoko sent three emails to her landlord, but he stayed completely unresponsive.
collocation: completely unresponsive
Residents complained that the city council remained unresponsive to their requests for better street lighting.
Local farmers say the government task force has been unresponsive to their concerns about drought.
- indifferent
focuses on a lack of interest or concern, often implying a deliberate choice not to care
- unmoved
suggests emotional resistance, especially when an appeal or argument fails to persuade
- non-responsive
more formal and technical, common in legal or medical contexts
- responsive
the direct opposite; quick to react or reply in a positive way
- receptive
willing to listen to or accept new ideas, suggestions, or requests
文法句型
unresponsive + to + noun phrase
用法筆記
Often followed by 'to' to indicate the thing that receives no reaction (e.g., unresponsive to treatment, unresponsive to questions).
常見錯誤
2. showing no signs of consciousness, movement, or reaction at all, typically becau
showing no signs of consciousness, movement, or reaction at all, typically because of serious illness, injury, or a medical emergency.
The paramedics found the patient unresponsive and immediately started CPR.
medical emergency context: found unresponsive + emergency response
Selim's roommate found him unresponsive on the bathroom floor and called an ambulance.
The hospital report noted that the crash victim remained unresponsive to all tests.
The nursing staff checked on Mrs. Chen every hour because she remained unresponsive after the stroke.
- unconscious
broader term; refers to any state of being unaware, including natural sleep or fainting
- comatose
far more severe; a prolonged deep state of unconsciousness that can last weeks or longer
- insensible
rare, formal; describes a person who cannot feel or perceive anything
文法句型
be / lie / remain unresponsive
find [person] unresponsive
用法筆記
In medical settings this sense describes a patient who does not open their eyes, speak, or move even when stimulated. It is more specific than 'unconscious,' which can also describe someone in a deep sleep.