Incommunicativeness

Incommunicativeness is the quality or state of being unwilling or unable to share information, feelings, or thoughts; a reluctance or inability to communicate effectively. It manifests as reticence, a lack of expressiveness, and an avoidance of open dialogue. This characteristic can stem from shyness, distrust, introversion, emotional distress, or a deliberate choice to withhold information. It can negatively impact relationships, collaborations, and understanding, leading to misunderstandings and feelings of isolation. It is frequently displayed through closed body language, a tendency toward short responses, and a general lack of engagement in social interactions. The individual might appear withdrawn or reserved.

Incommunicativeness meaning with examples

• Her incommunicativeness created a palpable tension in the family. She retreated further into her shell, offering only brief, clipped responses to any questions. This lack of openness hindered any attempts to offer her support and made it impossible for her loved ones to understand the root cause of her sadness and depression. Her family worried that her incommunicativeness would damage her relationships in the long run if it wasn't addressed.
• The witness's incommunicativeness during the trial frustrated the legal team. Despite persistent questioning, the witness provided minimal information, making it difficult to build a clear picture of the events. This reluctance to cooperate significantly hampered the progress of the investigation and made it more difficult to present a strong argument, highlighting the practical impact of incommunicativeness on investigations.
• The team's incommunicativeness regarding project updates caused serious problems. Members were hesitant to share their progress or report on any potential roadblocks. The lack of communication led to missed deadlines, duplicated effort, and a general decline in morale. Eventually, the project failed to launch, highlighting the significant detriment of incommunicativeness in the workplace and in teams in general.
• The patient's incommunicativeness made it challenging for the doctor to make an accurate diagnosis. The patient consistently avoided answering questions and provided very little in the way of details, which made it more difficult to assess the root cause of the patient's health problem. The lack of information hindered the physician's ability to provide proper care. This highlights how incommunicativeness affects medical interactions.