a drag on success

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a drag on success" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that hinders or slows down progress towards achieving success. Example: "The lack of funding has become a drag on success for the startup, preventing it from reaching its full potential."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

(See: "Citi A Drag On Dow").

Forbes

He says that after examining three indicators — success in education and employment, and welfare dependency — he concluded that Islam is by its nature a drag on individual success.

The New York Times

This mindset could even mean a company's history, no matter how illustrious, becoming a drag on its success.

BBC

"The Reagan fixation is a drag on the future success of the GOP.… It undermines the candidates because it becomes a crutch for their inability to articulate an actual agenda or a forward-looking vision".

The New Yorker

But Gilmartin cautions that year-over-year comparisons could be a drag on last year's success stories.

Forbes

If it is allowed to drag on, early successes might have the perverse effect of taking enough pressure out of the system to undermine further reforms.

The Guardian

He took a drag on a cigarette.

The New York Times

He took a drag on his cigarette.

The New York Times

Is this a drag on the economy?

The New York Times

Both factors are a drag on growth.

Independent

Iksanov took a drag on his cigarette.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "a drag on success", clearly identify what specifically is hindering progress. This provides context and strengthens your argument.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the degree to which something is "a drag on success". Be realistic and provide evidence to support your claim.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a drag on success" functions as a noun phrase acting as a predicate nominative or a subject complement. It identifies something that is hindering or impeding progress towards a successful outcome. Considering the lack of direct examples, Ludwig AI gives you some context with the following data.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a drag on success" describes something that hinders progress toward a successful outcome. Ludwig AI has shown the phrase is grammatically sound but infrequently used, as evidenced by the lack of direct examples. While the phrase is understandable, it's important to consider the context and choose vocabulary appropriate for the situation. Identifying the specific "drag" and providing supporting evidence will strengthen your communication. In more formal settings, consider using synonyms such as "hindrance" or "impediment".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Hindrance to achievement

Replaces the more figurative 'drag' with 'hindrance', offering a more direct and formal tone.

Impediment to progress

Substitutes 'drag' with 'impediment', emphasizing the obstruction of forward movement.

Obstacle to accomplishment

Uses 'obstacle' to highlight the barrier-like nature of the impediment to achieving success.

Setback for triumph

Employs 'setback' to focus on a temporary delay or reversal in the pursuit of success.

Burdensome for prosperity

Changes the focus to the weight or difficulty imposed on achieving a prosperous outcome.

Detriment to advancement

Highlights the damaging or harmful effect on the process of moving forward.

Constraint on flourishing

Emphasizes the limiting or restrictive nature of the impediment to growth and thriving.

Drawback for a favorable outcome

Focuses on the negative aspect or disadvantage in relation to achieving a positive result.

Liability to a positive result

Highlights the responsibility for an obligation in preventing a positive outcome.

Encumbrance on fruition

Puts emphasis on the burden or heavy load that prevents the fulfillment of a goal.

FAQs

How can I use "a drag on success" in a sentence?

You can use "a drag on success" to describe anything that hinders or slows down progress toward achieving a desired outcome. For instance, "The lack of funding has become a drag on success for the startup."

What are some alternatives to "a drag on success"?

Alternatives include "hindrance to achievement", "impediment to progress", or "obstacle to accomplishment", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "a drag on success" a formal or informal expression?

"A drag on success" leans toward informal usage due to the colloquial nature of "drag". More formal alternatives exist, such as "impediment to progress".

What makes something "a drag on success"?

Anything that slows down, hinders, or otherwise negatively impacts the ability to achieve a desired outcome can be considered "a drag on success". This could be internal factors like poor management or external factors like economic downturns.