compromising the ability

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'compromising the ability' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe a situation in which someone's capacity to do something is being affected. For example, "The bad weather is compromising the ability of the race team to compete."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It is compromising the ability of the provider community to continue to deliver proper care," he said.

The New York Times

Sustainable development aims to meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

The Guardian

Ms. Shames added that the overall resources the agency needed to adopt its own food safety plan were unclear, compromising the ability to judge whether it would be a success.

The New York Times

The computer system used by the Homeland Security Department to monitor foreigners entering the United States is extremely vulnerable to manipulation by unauthorized users, compromising the ability to intercept terrorists, a report by the Government Accountability Office found.

The New York Times

In the words of the 1987 Brundtland Commission report, sustainable development was "development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs".

The Guardian

The report gave a clear definition of what the Commission saw sustainable development to be: "development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs".

The Guardian

But then maybe someone should have told them about the Brundtland commission's 1987 declaration that sustainable development "meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs".

The Guardian

It was the year that the UN introduced the concept of sustainable development, defining it as "development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs".

The Guardian

Toward a Sustainable Energy Future .International Energy Agency 300 pages; $100BACK in 1987, a panel headed by Sweden's Gro Harlem Brundtland defined sustainable development as growth that meets our needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet theirs.

The Economist

Robert M. Gates, then the defense secretary, said that "too many people in too many places are talking about this operation," potentially compromising the ability to carry out such raids in the future.

The New York Times

For the past 26 years, a single definition of sustainable development has ruled: "development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "compromising the ability", ensure that the subject and the specific ability being affected are clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For instance, specify "compromising the ability of the team to meet deadlines" rather than just "compromising the ability".

Common error

Avoid using "compromising the ability" without specifying what is causing the compromise. Clearly state the factors or actions that are leading to the reduction in capability. For example, instead of saying "Budget cuts are compromising the ability", specify "Budget cuts are compromising the ability of the research team to conduct comprehensive studies".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "compromising the ability" functions as a verb phrase, typically used as part of a larger clause to indicate that something is negatively affecting or reducing someone's capacity to perform a specific action. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

30%

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "compromising the ability" is a versatile phrase used to describe situations where a capacity or capability is being negatively affected. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and frequency in English writing. It's most commonly found in scientific and news contexts, and its effective use relies on clearly specifying what is causing the compromise and the specific ability being impacted. While various alternative phrases exist, each carries its own subtle nuance, making "compromising the ability" a precise choice for many situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

constraining the ability

Indicates a limitation or restriction being placed on the ability, implying a reduced scope of action.

losing the ability

Suggests a complete or partial deprivation of the ability, implying a loss that may be permanent or temporary.

endangering the ability

Implies that the ability is at risk or in danger of being lost or diminished.

threatening the ability

Similar to endangering, but focuses on the potential harm or negative impact on the ability.

hindering the ability

Focuses on the impediment or obstruction of the ability, suggesting a slowdown or disruption.

jeopardizing the ability

Highlights the risk and potential negative consequences for the ability, emphasizing the danger of failure.

disrupting the ability

Indicates an interruption or disturbance of the ability, suggesting a temporary or permanent interference.

sacrificing the ability

Implies a deliberate decision to give up or reduce the ability, often for a specific purpose or trade-off.

impairing the ability

Suggests a weakening or damage to the ability, resulting in a reduced effectiveness or functionality.

diminishing the ability

Indicates a gradual reduction or decrease in the ability, suggesting a weakening over time.

FAQs

How can I use "compromising the ability" in a sentence?

Use "compromising the ability" to indicate that something is reducing or weakening someone's capacity to do something. For example, "Lack of funding is compromising the ability of the program to provide adequate services".

What are some alternatives to "compromising the ability"?

You can use alternatives like "constraining the ability", "hindering the ability", or "jeopardizing the ability" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "compromising the ability" or "impairing the ability"?

Both "compromising the ability" and "impairing the ability" are correct, but they have slightly different nuances. "Compromising" suggests weakening or putting at risk, while "impairing" suggests damaging or diminishing. The best choice depends on the specific context.

What's the difference between "compromising the ability" and "reducing the ability"?

"Compromising the ability" often implies a negative impact or a weakening of an existing capacity, while "reducing the ability" simply means making it smaller or less. "Compromising" carries a connotation of risk or potential harm.