as much a liability

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as much a liability" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something or someone is equally problematic or disadvantageous as another factor. Example: "In this situation, the lack of experience is as much a liability as the tight deadlines we are facing."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

The painting's fame is almost as much a liability for Sotheby's as it is an asset.

The New York Times - Arts

"Governors Island is as much a liability as it is an asset," Mr. Rose said.

The New York Times

I think it's as much a liability as it is a heroic element".

The New York Times

If Kissinger withdrew today, his record would be remarkable, but a time may come when Kissinger will seem as much a liability as an asset.

The New Yorker

Indeed, it may well be that a time will come when Kissinger will seem as much a liability as an asset.

The New Yorker

Stephenson, however, seems to have demonstrated that a senior police officer without an acute political sense as smell is just as much a liability in the job.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

In this environment, Mr. Gore has found that his command of policy, and his willingness to display it, can be as much a political liability as an asset.

The New York Times

More success has been achieved in building up the Afghan National Army; but the weakness of the civilian state could well make this army as much of a liability as a strength.

The New York Times

And Mr Wiranto, the object of an international arrest warrant for his role in the violence in East Timor in 1999, could be as much of a liability as an asset.Mr Yudhoyono, in contrast, is riding high.

The Economist

This cycle, however, many of those very Obama-Clinton similarities could prove to be as much of a liability as an asset in wooing Sanders supporters in the general election.

Huffington Post

Ironically, the media trail suggests that Navigator can be as much of a liability as an asset, but the behind-the-scenes work the firm does to shift opinion is rarely seen by the public, which is kind of the point.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "as much a liability", ensure you clearly define what it is being compared to. This provides context and strengthens your argument.

Common error

Avoid using "as much a liability" when a milder term like "inconvenience" would be more accurate. Overstating the negative impact can weaken your argument.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as much a liability" functions as a comparative expression. It equates something with being a liability, often in contrast to it also being an asset or benefit. Ludwig indicates that it is a valid and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "as much a liability" is a grammatically correct and valid expression used to convey that something has drawbacks comparable to its benefits, and as confirmed by Ludwig's analysis. While most of the occurrences appear in News and Media, ensure context is appropriate and not overstated. Alternatives like "equally problematic" or "just as disadvantageous" offer similar meanings with slight variations in emphasis. When using "as much a liability", clarify the object of comparison to avoid ambiguity and maximize impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

equally a disadvantage

Focuses on the comparative aspect of being a disadvantage.

just as problematic

Highlights the problematic nature with equal weight.

no less of a burden

Emphasizes the weight or difficulty imposed.

as much of a hindrance

Focuses on the obstructing or delaying effect.

equally detrimental

Highlights the damaging or harmful aspect.

as significant a drawback

Emphasizes the importance and negative aspect of the drawback.

just as much of an obstacle

Focuses on the aspect of being a barrier or impediment.

no less counterproductive

Highlights the effect of reducing desired results.

as great a disadvantage

Emphasizes the degree of disadvantage.

similarly unfavorable

Indicates a comparable lack of favor or benefit.

FAQs

How can I use "as much a liability" in a sentence?

You can use "as much a liability" to compare something that is both beneficial and detrimental. For example, "His experience was "as much an asset" as it was "as much a liability" because his methods were outdated".

What's a good alternative to "as much a liability"?

Alternatives include "equally problematic", "just as disadvantageous", or "no less of a burden", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "as much a liability as" or "as much of a liability as"?

Both are grammatically correct, but "as much of a liability as" is often preferred for clarity. The inclusion of "of" can improve the flow and readability of the sentence.

Can "as much a liability" have a positive connotation?

No, "as much a liability" typically carries a negative connotation, implying something presents problems or disadvantages. It is often used in contrast with an asset or benefit.