competition has sapped

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "competition has sapped" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where competition has drained energy, resources, or motivation from individuals or organizations. Example: "In recent years, the intense competition in the market has sapped our ability to innovate and grow."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

But growing competition has sapped Dell's strength.

The New York Times

That is almost unheard of for a Cameroon team and suggests that the disjointedness borne of their lack of preparation for the competition has sapped their strength.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

The bloodshed has sapped investor confidence.

The Economist

"This has sapped the energy from people's movements.

The Guardian - Books

There are no jobs and recession has sapped confidence.

The Guardian - Books

Cuts have sapped state capacity.

The Guardian - Opinion

Drought and irrigation have sapped its strength.

The Economist

A number of factors have sapped demand, Appleton-Young said.

Los Angeles Times

Competition has erupted.

The New York Times

No competition has she.

The New York Times

Still, competition has hurt.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "competition has sapped" when you want to emphasize that competition has significantly reduced the strength, energy, or resources of something. Be mindful of the context to ensure the verb accurately reflects the level of depletion.

Common error

Avoid using "competition has sapped" when the effect of competition is minor or negligible. This phrase implies a substantial reduction in strength or resources, so using it inappropriately can overstate the impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "competition has sapped" functions as a declarative statement. It describes a specific action or effect that competition has had on a particular subject, indicating a reduction in strength or resources. This is supported by Ludwig AI, which confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Sport

34%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "competition has sapped" is a grammatically correct and usable expression to describe how competition can diminish the strength, resources, or energy of something. Ludwig AI confirms its proper use. It is most commonly found in news and sports contexts and carries a neutral tone. While alternatives like "competition has drained" or "competition has weakened" exist, it's important to use the phrase when there has been a substantial reduction in the strength or resources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

competition has drained

Implies a complete emptying or exhaustion of resources due to competition.

competition has depleted

Highlights the reduction of a resource or supply due to competition.

competition has diminished

Focuses on a reduction in quantity or importance due to competition.

competition has exhausted

Highlights a state of extreme tiredness or depletion due to competition.

competition has weakened

Emphasizes a loss of power or effectiveness due to competition.

competition has eroded

Suggests a gradual wearing away or destruction caused by competition.

competition has undermined

Focuses on weakening the foundation or support of something due to competition.

competition has impaired

Suggests a damage of function or ability because of competition.

competition has lessened

Indicates a decrease in intensity or degree due to competition.

competition has attenuated

Emphasizes a reduction in force, effect, or value due to competition.

FAQs

What does it mean to say that "competition has sapped" something?

Saying that "competition has sapped" something means that the competition has gradually reduced its strength, energy, or resources. It implies a draining effect that weakens the subject over time.

What can I say instead of "competition has sapped"?

You can use alternatives like "competition has diminished", "competition has weakened", or "competition has drained" depending on the specific context.

Is "competition has sapped" suitable for formal writing?

Yes, "competition has sapped" is suitable for formal writing, particularly in business and economics contexts. However, consider the alternatives if you aim for a more nuanced tone.

How is "competition has sapped" different from "competition has increased"?

"Competition has sapped" describes the negative impact of competition on something's strength or resources, while "competition has increased" simply describes the intensification of competition itself. They focus on different aspects of the competitive environment.