be undermined

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be undermined" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where something is weakened or damaged, often in terms of authority, confidence, or effectiveness. Example: "The team's morale may be undermined if management does not address their concerns."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Enemies must be undermined.

The Guardian - Business

Democracy itself can be undermined.

University of California, Berkeley

But that confidence could be undermined.

The Economist

Internal investigations cannot be undermined.

Harvard Business Review

That my meditation practice will be undermined?

Yale University

Fatah may be undermined and Hamas empowered.

The New York Times

Styles can be undermined by increasing virtuosity.

The New York Times - Arts

His capacity to defend himself may be undermined.

Cornell University

— will be undermined if their stars succumb to injury.

The New York Times - Sports

Qaddafi can be undermined without Western military intervention.

The New York Times

"If it were permitted, the constitutional right would be undermined".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be undermined" to describe situations where something is gradually weakened or subtly attacked, rather than outright destroyed. This phrase is particularly effective when highlighting the insidious nature of the weakening process.

Common error

Avoid using "be undermined" when describing obvious, direct attacks. The phrase implies a more subtle and gradual weakening, so a stronger verb might be more appropriate for overt actions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be undermined" primarily functions as a verb phrase indicating a passive action. It suggests that something is being weakened or eroded, often subtly or gradually. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through numerous examples across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Science

28%

Academia

22%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be undermined" is a versatile and frequently used verb phrase that indicates a gradual weakening or erosion of something. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is grammatically sound and appropriate for various contexts, particularly in news, academic, and scientific writing. While semantically related alternatives like "be weakened" or "be compromised" exist, "be undermined" carries a unique connotation of subtle, insidious weakening. When using the phrase, ensure it aligns with the context of gradual erosion rather than a direct, overt attack for maximum clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be weakened

Focuses on the reduction of strength or effectiveness.

be compromised

Highlights the impairment of integrity or quality.

be eroded

Suggests a gradual decline or wearing away.

be subverted

Emphasizes the act of overturning or undermining something established.

be diminished

Indicates a reduction in size, extent, or importance.

be impaired

Focuses on the weakening or damaging of a function or ability.

be destabilized

Highlights the loss of stability or balance.

be vitiated

Suggests a corruption or spoiling of something's quality.

be negated

Emphasizes the cancellation or nullification of an effect.

be counteracted

Focuses on action taken to neutralize or offset an effect.

FAQs

How can I use "be undermined" in a sentence?

You can use "be undermined" to indicate that something is gradually weakened or damaged, often in a subtle or indirect way. For example: "The team's morale may be undermined if management doesn't address their concerns."

What are some alternatives to "be undermined"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "be weakened", "be compromised", or "be eroded".

When is it appropriate to use "be undermined" instead of "be destroyed"?

"Be undermined" suggests a gradual weakening or subtle erosion, while "be destroyed" implies a complete and immediate obliteration. Use "be undermined" when the damage is incremental and not immediately apparent.

Can trust "be undermined"?

Yes, trust can be undermined. For instance, "Trust can be undermined by consistent dishonesty or broken promises."