being undermined by a

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "being undermined by a" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a situation or condition that is being weakened or compromised by a specific factor or influence. Example: "The project's success is being undermined by a lack of resources and support from management."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

45 human-written examples

They brushed aside questions about parliamentary democracy being undermined by a minority of street protesters.

The Economist

The alliance is also being undermined by a change of public perception.

The Economist

Olusegun Obasanjo's reputation as a financially prudent president is being undermined by a series of investigations.

The Economist

But, again like Big Blue before it, Microsoft also risks being undermined by a cheaper, more open approach to computing.

The Economist

Arsène Wenger fears that Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain's development is being undermined by a lack of self-belief.

The Guardian - Sport

Meanwhile, the Resistance is being undermined by a mole, whose treachery is not revealed until the end.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

15 human-written examples

Golf professionals point out that the trend for chemical-free golf courses is also being undermined by an opposing trend for ever more luxuriant greens.

Independent

Efforts at tackling malaria, for example, are being undermined by an increased resistance to drugs.

Huffington Post

The feisty assertion was undermined by a forlorn note.

The Guardian - Books

But confidence has been undermined by a range of problems.

The Guardian

Sotherton's Olympic challenge was undermined by a kidney problem and a quadriceps injury.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "being undermined by a", ensure that the cause of the undermining is clearly stated to provide context and clarity for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "being undermined by a" without specifying what is doing the undermining. This can lead to confusion and weaken your argument.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "being undermined by a" functions as part of a verb phrase, typically used to describe how a subject is losing strength, effectiveness, or stability due to an external factor. As Ludwig AI confirms, this expression is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "being undermined by a" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It serves to describe a situation where something is gradually losing its strength or effectiveness due to an external factor. Primarily found in news and media contexts, this phrase effectively conveys concern or criticism about a deteriorating situation. When using "being undermined by a", it is important to clearly identify the cause to avoid ambiguity. Related phrases include "being weakened by a" and "being compromised by a", offering alternative ways to express a similar meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

being weakened by a

Focuses on the reduction of strength or effectiveness.

being compromised by a

Highlights the impairment of integrity or quality.

being eroded by a

Emphasizes the gradual wearing away or diminishing effect.

being hampered by a

Indicates obstruction or delay in progress.

being jeopardized by a

Focuses on the risk or danger introduced by a factor.

being destabilized by a

Highlights the loss of stability or equilibrium.

being threatened by a

Emphasizes the potential harm or danger posed.

being subverted by a

Indicates an attempt to overthrow or corrupt.

being counteracted by a

Highlights an opposing force that diminishes the original effect.

being vitiated by a

Focuses on the corruption or impairment of quality.

FAQs

What does it mean for something to be undermined?

When something is undermined, it means its effectiveness, power, or stability is gradually weakened or damaged.

What can I say instead of "being undermined by a"?

You can use alternatives like "being weakened by a", "being compromised by a", or "being eroded by a" depending on the specific context.

How can the phrase "being undermined by a" be used in a sentence?

The phrase "being undermined by a" is typically used to describe a situation where something is losing its strength or effectiveness due to a particular factor. For instance, "The project's success is being undermined by a lack of funding".

What's the difference between "being undermined by a" and "being challenged by a"?

"Being undermined by a" suggests a gradual weakening or erosion, while "being challenged by a" implies a direct confrontation or questioning of something's validity or authority.