blight on humanity

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "blight on humanity" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is considered harmful or detrimental to the human race or society as a whole. Example: "The ongoing conflict in the region is a blight on humanity, causing suffering and despair for countless individuals."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Another user called the company a "blight on humanity".

The New York Times

However the threat of terrorism although a villainous blight on humanity is hardly a world war to galvanize against.

Huffington Post

Even I, who can measure the ways Hefner has been a blight on humanity -- men as well as women -- wouldn't put him through that humiliation!

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

So what intervention could I make that would end this blight on our common humanity?

The Guardian - Opinion

Terrorism is dangerous and a blight on the world.

The New York Times

The schoolboys he taught before and after the second world war, and the war itself, cast a blight on his view of humanity.

The Economist

The song's a dirge and a blight upon humanity, but it's also one of the most famous tunes on Earth.

Independent

Either one of humanity's greatest inventions or a blight on the face of creation (depending on your viewpoint), football's unparalleled popularity guarantees extreme opinions wherever you go.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"I'm good on humanity".

The New Yorker

Nature has taken her revenge on humanity.

The Guardian

He would, however, like to write a book on humanity.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "blight on humanity" to express strong disapproval or condemnation of something that significantly harms or degrades human values, progress, or well-being. Ensure the context warrants such a strong term.

Common error

Avoid using "blight on humanity" for minor inconveniences or disagreements. This phrase carries significant weight and should be reserved for situations that genuinely threaten or harm a large number of people or fundamental human principles.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "blight on humanity" functions primarily as a noun phrase that serves as a subject complement or object, typically following a linking verb (e.g., 'is,' 'becomes'). It identifies something as a destructive or harmful influence on humankind. Ludwig examples illustrate this function in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "blight on humanity" is a powerful expression used to condemn something considered deeply detrimental to human well-being or progress. Ludwig's analysis, drawing from various sources, shows that it functions as a noun phrase expressing strong disapproval, primarily found in News & Media. While the Ludwig AI confirms the grammatical correctness of the phrase, it is crucial to use it judiciously, reserving it for situations genuinely warranting such a strong condemnation. Alternatives like "scourge of humanity" or "curse upon humanity" offer varying degrees of emphasis, allowing for nuanced communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Scourge of humanity

This alternative uses a stronger, more dramatic term ('scourge') to emphasize the destructive nature.

Curse upon humanity

This alternative implies a sense of divine punishment or misfortune inflicted on humankind.

Plague on society

This alternative focuses on the societal impact rather than the broader concept of 'humanity'.

Affliction of humankind

This alternative uses a more clinical and formal term ('affliction') to describe the suffering caused.

Menace to civilization

This alternative emphasizes the threat posed to the stability and progress of civilization.

Detriment to the human race

This is a more formal and direct way of expressing the harmful impact on humanity.

Disgrace to the human spirit

This focuses on the moral or ethical damage caused, rather than physical harm.

Stain on human history

This alternative emphasizes the lasting negative impact on the historical record.

Dark side of human nature

This alternative suggests that the problem stems from inherent flaws or tendencies within humanity itself.

Shadow over mankind

This creates a metaphorical image of something looming and threatening humanity's well-being.

FAQs

What does it mean to call something a "blight on humanity"?

Calling something a "blight on humanity" means it is considered a severely negative influence that significantly harms human society, values, or progress. It suggests a detrimental impact on a large scale.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "blight on humanity"?

Use "blight on humanity" when describing issues like widespread injustice, devastating wars, or actions that deeply degrade human dignity and well-being. It should be reserved for matters of substantial gravity.

What are some alternative phrases to "blight on humanity"?

You can use alternatives like "scourge of humanity", "curse upon humanity", or "plague on society" depending on the specific context and the level of emphasis you wish to convey.

Is "blight on humanity" an overused or cliché phrase?

While not necessarily overused, "blight on humanity" is a strong phrase that can sound cliché if used inappropriately. Consider the impact of your words and ensure they are proportional to the situation. Stronger terms can diminish in impact with overuse.