decrease the effectiveness

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "decrease the effectiveness" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to describe a situation where something is becoming less effective or efficient. For example: "The new factory policy will likely decrease the effectiveness of our production line."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

51 human-written examples

These results must be tempered by the consideration that ZA may have a proinflammatory effect and decrease the effectiveness of MTX.

Arthritis Research and Therapy

In turn, low social identification with potential victims may decrease the effectiveness of the persuasive impact of the message, possibly resulting in a boomerang effect.

The Guardian

If an older child is sitting in the front passenger seat, never let him recline the seat back, as doing so can decrease the effectiveness of seat belts.

The New York Times - Travel

Continued smoking can decrease the effectiveness of both chemotherapy and radiation treatments and is responsible for increased disability, treatment complications, illness, and isolation from and conflict with loved ones.

The New York Times

"You may also be able to drill a hole in a window frame or in the woodwork near the floor," he said, pointing out that insulation inside the wall will restrict the movement of the dust and decrease the effectiveness of the treatment.

The New York Times

Among the products listed are ginkgo biloba, ginseng and echinacea, as well as some surprises like soy milk and green tea -- both of which can decrease the effectiveness of warfarin -- and even aloe vera and licorice.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

The indiscriminate use of such substances promotes the emergence of resistant microorganisms, decreases the effectiveness of treatments, and causes possible toxic effects in humans.

Journal of Chromatography B

Similar to the effects of increasing observation errors and decreasing the number of contests, larger groups decreased the effectiveness of the contest strategy, while the turn-taking strategy remained unaffected.

BMC Evolutionary Biology

For one thing, we found that loneliness decreases the effectiveness of sleep.

The Guardian

These problems may lead to decreasing the effectiveness of these gels for longer duration in the formation.

Petroleum Science

After we control for R&D intensity, private ownershipfurther decreases the effectiveness of firms in generating innovation.

Frontiers of Business Research in China

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "decrease the effectiveness", ensure that the context clearly specifies what is being affected and the cause of the decrease.

Common error

Avoid using "decrease the effectiveness" without specifying what the subject is and what factor causes it. For instance, instead of saying "the changes decreased the effectiveness", specify "the changes to the marketing campaign decreased the effectiveness of lead generation".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "decrease the effectiveness" functions primarily as a verb phrase expressing the action of reducing the capacity of something to produce a desired result or intended effect. The examples provided by Ludwig show its use in various contexts to describe the diminishing of an action or a thing.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

68%

News & Media

18%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "decrease the effectiveness" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe a reduction in the ability of something to achieve a desired outcome. As Ludwig AI indicates, it’s suitable for various contexts, particularly in scientific and news media. When using this phrase, it's important to specify what is being affected and the cause of the decrease to avoid vagueness. Alternatives like "reduce the impact" or "weaken the effect" may be used depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. The phrase is widely recognized and understood, making it a reliable choice for clear communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reduce the impact

Focuses on the overall impact rather than specifically on effectiveness.

diminish the potency

Emphasizes a reduction in strength or power.

weaken the effect

Highlights the lessening of a specific effect.

impair the efficiency

Shifts the focus to efficiency rather than overall effectiveness.

undermine the success

Suggests a more subtle or gradual reduction in success.

hamper the performance

Specifically refers to hindering performance.

lessen the influence

Highlights the reduction of influence or sway.

degrade the quality

Focuses on a decline in quality, which may indirectly affect effectiveness.

compromise the integrity

Suggests a reduction in the soundness or reliability.

attenuate the response

Indicates a weakening of a reaction or reply.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "decrease the effectiveness" in a sentence?

Alternatives include "reduce the impact", "weaken the effect", or "impair the efficiency" depending on the specific context.

What does it mean to "decrease the effectiveness" of something?

To "decrease the effectiveness" means to reduce how well something achieves its intended purpose or produces a desired result.

Which is more appropriate, "decrease the effectiveness" or "reduce the effectiveness"?

"Decrease the effectiveness" and "reduce the effectiveness" are often interchangeable. However, "reduce" might be preferred in more formal contexts while "decrease" is generally acceptable in both formal and informal settings.

Can you use "decrease the effectiveness" in scientific writing?

Yes, "decrease the effectiveness" is commonly used in scientific writing to describe how certain factors or conditions can reduce the efficacy or potency of treatments, methods, or interventions.