Unresponsiveness Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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unresponsiveness
[ˌənrɪˈspɒnsɪvnəs ]
Definitions
medical
Lack of reaction or response to stimuli, often seen in comatose patients.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| unresponsiveness |
This word can be used in a general sense to describe not reacting or replying, very similar to the first use mentioned. Often associated with negative implications.
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| insensitivity |
This term is used to describe a lack of emotional sensitivity or consideration, often carrying a negative connotation.
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| inactivity |
This word is often used to describe a state of idleness or lack of activity, especially in physical or behavioral contexts.
|
Examples of usage
- The patient's unresponsiveness to painful stimuli raised concerns among the medical staff.
- Her unresponsiveness to treatment indicated a more serious underlying condition.
emotional
Lack of interest, enthusiasm, or willingness to engage.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| unresponsiveness |
Best used to describe a lack of reaction or reply, especially in situations where a response is expected, such as in communication or medical patient reactions.
|
| apathy |
This word is suitable when describing a lack of interest, enthusiasm, or concern, often in emotional, social, or political contexts.
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| indifference |
Best used to indicate a lack of interest or concern about something or someone, often suggested in situations involving personal relationships or moral judgments.
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Examples of usage
- His unresponsiveness to her efforts to connect left her feeling frustrated and alone.
- The team's unresponsiveness to the new project proposal was disheartening.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Psychology
- Unresponsiveness can be a sign of mental fatigue or overload, where a person feels too overwhelmed to respond.
- In interpersonal communication, unresponsiveness can create feelings of frustration or confusion in the other person.
- Social media has increased instances of unresponsiveness, as people may scroll past messages without replying.
Health
- In medical terms, unresponsiveness can refer to a state where a patient does not react to stimuli, indicating a potential health crisis.
- Conditions such as a stroke or severe head injury can lead to a state of unresponsiveness, affecting a person's ability to interact.
Technology
- In the realm of tech, 'unresponsiveness' can describe software that freezes or fails to react to user input, leading to user frustration.
- Websites may become unresponsive due to heavy traffic or coding errors, disrupting user experience.
Social Dynamics
- Unresponsiveness in relationships can indicate underlying issues, such as communication breakdowns or emotional detachment.
- Cultural differences may affect what is perceived as unresponsiveness; some cultures value silence or non-verbal communication.
Literature
- In literature, characters exhibiting unresponsiveness often symbolize deeper emotional struggles or conflicts within the story.
- Classic novels frequently explore themes of unresponsiveness as a way to critique societal norms and relationships.
Origin of 'unresponsiveness'
The word 'unresponsiveness' is a combination of the prefix 'un-' meaning 'not' and the noun 'responsiveness' which is derived from the verb 'respond'. The concept of being unresponsive has been observed in various contexts throughout history, from medical conditions to emotional states.
See also: responsibility, responsible.