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unpermissive

unpermissive

9.2
Strict and not willing to allow exceptions
  • adjective
  • /ʌn.pərˈmɪs.ɪv/
translation icon : estricto
  • The school's unpermissive policies made it difficult for students to request time off.

Examples

  • Managers who are too unpermissive may lower employee morale.

  • Her unpermissive attitude led to a very disciplined household.

  • Don't be so unpermissive!

  • The school's unpermissive policies frustrated many students.

  • The teacher's unpermissive stance on late assignments left no room for flexibility.

  • The coach's unpermissive approach to training meant that players had to follow strict rules.

  • Her unpermissive nature often resulted in her friends feeling restricted in their choices.

Synonyms

strict
vsunpermissive
359 3.2

Not allowing any exceptions and requiring rules to be followed exactly

refuses permission or leniency rather than focus on exact rule detail
authoritarian
vsunpermissive
58 7.5

Expecting people to follow orders and allowing little freedom

is narrower, stressing refusal of permission rather than broad obedience demand
restrictive
vsunpermissive
52 4.7

Limits what people can do by rules or laws

focuses on refusing permission for actions rather than general limitation design
oppressive
vsunpermissive
43 6.3

Using harsh, unfair power to control people and limit their freedom

denies permission firmly but without implying unjust or excessive harm
overbearing
vsunpermissive
30 5.8

Being proud and trying to control other people

focuses on rule denial and enforcement rather than personal arrogance
uncompromising
vsunpermissive
24 6.8

Not willing to change opinions or demands, even if it causes problems

is about denying permission specifically rather than stubborn belief holding
dictatorial
vsunpermissive
16 7.7

Having complete control and expecting people to obey without question

expresses strict refusal of permission but without the extreme total control
paternalist
vsunpermissive
  • Formal
1 8.4

Thinking leaders should limit people's freedom for their good

simply refuses permission without the claimed protective motive
strict but fair
vsunpermissive
3.6

Demanding that people follow rules while treating everyone the same

leans toward denying permission and strict enforcement rather than fairness balance
unforbearing
vsunpermissive
9.9

Not willing to be patient with other people

centres on denying permission rather than merely lacking patience

Antonyms

permissive
  • Jargon
14 4.9

Not strict and giving a lot of freedom about what people do

How Permissive

tolerant
72 3.2
permissive
  • Jargon
14 4.9
unpermissive
9.2
strict
359 3.2
draconian
  • Formal
28 8.9

Surface Forms

unpermissive positive

Morphology

unpermissive = permissive (transparent) = un + permit + perm + ive

The adjective is formed by adding the negative prefix 'un-' to the familiar adjective 'permissive', producing the straightforward opposite meaning.

Etymology

The word unpermissive is built from un- meaning 'not' and permit meaning 'to allow', the same root as the familiar word permission. So unpermissive describes people or rules that 'do not allow' things and are strict.