a disservice

USAGE SUMMARY

"a disservice" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe an action which is careless or detrimental to someone or something. For example, "Cutting funding for public schools is a disservice to the students who need quality education."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Howe does himself a disservice.

Independent

I did a disservice to myself.

The New York Times

That is a disservice to the novel.

The Economist

They do a disservice to the dog.

Independent

I did myself a disservice.

The New Yorker

"That does ourselves a disservice.

The Guardian

"It would be a disservice.

The New York Times - Sports

"They've done John a disservice.

The Guardian

I think that's a disservice to Berkshire.

The New York Times

You are doing a disservice to humanity/environment.

The New York Times

I think she does herself a disservice.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a disservice" to clearly indicate that an action or decision is causing harm or disadvantage to someone or something. Ensure the context clearly identifies who or what is being negatively affected.

Common error

Avoid using "a disservice" when you actually mean "a service". While they sound alike, their meanings are opposite. "A service" provides help, while "a disservice" causes harm.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a disservice" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as the object of a verb. According to Ludwig, it's grammatically correct, and the examples confirm its role in describing actions that cause harm or disadvantage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Formal & Business

3%

Science

1%

Less common in

Academia

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a disservice" is a noun phrase used to describe actions or decisions that cause harm or disadvantage. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in news and media contexts. While often interchangeable with terms like "a disadvantage" or "a detriment", it carries a specific connotation of causing harm. When using this phrase, be mindful of the context and ensure clarity about who or what is being negatively impacted. Avoid confusing it with "a service", which has the opposite meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a detriment

Emphasizes the harm or damage caused.

an injustice

Emphasizes the lack of fairness or equity.

a disadvantage

Focuses on placing someone in an unfavorable position.

a harm

Directly indicates physical or emotional damage.

a wrong

Suggests a moral or ethical violation.

a negative impact

Focuses on the adverse effect of an action or decision.

a disfavor

Highlights a lack of support or approval.

a foul turn

Suggests a deceitful or treacherous action.

a setback

Highlights a delay or impediment to progress.

a disvalue

Emphasizes the reduction of value or importance.

FAQs

How can I use "a disservice" in a sentence?

You can use "a disservice" to describe an action that harms or disadvantages someone. For example, "Cutting funding for education is "a disservice" to students".

What's the difference between "a disservice" and "an injustice"?

"A disservice" refers to any action that causes harm or disadvantage, while "an injustice" specifically refers to a lack of fairness or equity. While both are negative, "an injustice" implies a violation of rights or fairness.

What are some alternatives to saying "a disservice"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "a disadvantage", "a detriment", or "a harm" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it correct to say "do a disservice to someone"?

Yes, it is correct. The phrase "do a disservice to someone" is a common and grammatically sound way to express that an action is causing harm or disadvantage to that person. For instance, "They do "a disservice" to the dog".