bullying

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "bullying" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a form of harassment or intimidation, usually taking place over a long period of time, typically directed at an individual or group with a power imbalance. For example: "There is an increasing problem with bullying in schools, with many students feeling unsafe in their environment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I have been involved in a few political crises in my time and have always come out on top by bullying people, shouting a lot and being entirely economical with the truth.

The Guardian - Books

While some staff members had said they felt pressured to manipulate data, the report said there had been no systematic culture of bullying.

The Guardian

With Shane Watson in bullying form, even the lofty vantage point of the pavilion may not have been safe from a succession of smattered shots.

The Guardian - Sport

There's also the issue of Armstrong's increasingly bizarre public stance on his years of lying, cheating and bullying.

The Guardian - Music

Q: Some of my constituents felt that you were bullying Scotland when you ruled out a currency union.

The Guardian

Of course, the phrase went round the university like a disturbed swarm of bullying wasps.

The Guardian

Employees working in uninspiring jobs may be tempted to enact destructive behaviour as a source of stimulation, whereas individuals stressed out by heavy workloads may perpetrate bullying to cope with frustration or to assert personal control.

The Guardian

The GM's engineering staff at British Gas are ballotting over claims of "bullying and customer exploitation".

The Guardian - Opinion

David Cameron has been accused of cowardice and the broadcasters of "bullying" and "sheer arrogance".

The Guardian

The Guardian story was seized upon by a jubilant Alex Salmond: it was proof, the first minister said, of the UK government's "bluff, bullying and bluster" over currency.

The Guardian

It has been noted that higher education has become more competitive and hierarchical which may facilitate greater levels of bullying.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use precise language to describe the actions and impact of "bullying" to avoid minimizing the harm caused to victims.

Common error

Do not assume that all instances of "bullying" are the same. Different contexts and forms of bullying require tailored responses and approaches.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "bullying" is as a noun, referring to the act of intimidating or mistreating someone weaker. It can also function as a gerund or present participle of the verb "bully", as seen in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Formal & Business

22%

Science

21%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "bullying" is a very common noun used to describe the act of intimidating or mistreating someone. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts, primarily in news, formal settings, and scientific discussions. Related terms include "harassment", "intimidation", and "victimization". When writing about "bullying", it is important to be specific and avoid generalizations, focusing on the particular type and context. Common errors include assuming all instances are the same, and require tailored responses. The high expert rating and frequent usage in authoritative sources like The Guardian underscore its reliability and widespread recognition.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

intimidation

Focuses on the act of making someone afraid or submissive through threats.

harassment

Emphasizes persistent unwanted behavior that causes distress or annoyance.

victimization

Highlights the state of being treated unfairly or cruelly.

abuse

Broad term encompassing physical, emotional, or verbal mistreatment.

coercion

Stresses the use of force or threats to make someone do something against their will.

oppression

Implies prolonged cruel or unjust treatment or control.

persecution

Highlights systematic mistreatment and discrimination, often based on identity.

maltreatment

A general term for treating someone badly or carelessly.

tormenting

Focuses on inflicting severe mental or physical suffering.

browbeating

Emphasizes intimidating someone into submission with stern or abusive words.

FAQs

How to use "bullying" in a sentence?

You can use "bullying" to describe the act of intimidating someone weaker. For example, "The school has a zero-tolerance policy for "bullying"."

What can I say instead of "bullying"?

You can use alternatives like "harassment", "intimidation", or "victimization" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "bullying" or "to bully"?

"Bullying" is a noun that refers to the act itself, while "to bully" is a verb describing the action of a bully. Example: "Bullying is a serious problem" vs. "He used to "bully" younger kids."

What's the difference between "bullying" and "teasing"?

"Bullying" involves a power imbalance and repeated aggressive behavior, whereas "teasing" is generally playful and does not involve a power dynamic or intent to harm.