0

I am writing a memo (quite formal) and I need to mention that the attitudes in the previous meeting were really offtopic, the team didn't focus on the important matters.

Were it informal writing I would use go all round the houses. Which expression would be adequate for a formal context?

4
  • Why not say that "the attitudes in the previous meeting where really off topic"? Apr 18, 2013 at 14:40
  • Because that's a little too direct.
    – pdjota
    Apr 18, 2013 at 14:43
  • 1
    Are you the leader of this team? If so, then you should be direct. Apr 18, 2013 at 14:44
  • It is not about a position, it is about directness, but thanks for your concern.
    – pdjota
    Apr 18, 2013 at 19:30

2 Answers 2

3

You could say unproductive or unfocused.

Not so long ago, you could have used the word inappropriate, but that is now a suggestive catch-all for anything awkward, lewd, rude or lecherous.

1
  • heh great point on "inappropriate" ..
    – Fattie
    May 8, 2014 at 13:32
0

I would use the word prevaricate.

verb

[no object]

Speak or act in an evasive way:

‘he seemed to prevaricate when journalists asked pointed questions’

For your specific scenario I suppose the phrase "I noticed a fair amount of prevarication at our previous meeting" or something similar would be appropriate.

1
  • I agree with this answer as the technically correct one, but I think given other comments by the asker that it would be too direct, as it is fairly unambiguous. What they actually seemed to want is a politic way of expressing the sentiment, not the correct formal word.
    – Sam
    May 8, 2014 at 16:00

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge that you have read and understand our privacy policy and code of conduct.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.