divergence of interests

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "divergence of interests" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where different parties have conflicting or differing goals or priorities. Example: "The negotiation broke down due to a significant divergence of interests between the two companies."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

As the show proceeds, you begin to sense a divergence of interests.

The New York Times

This potential divergence of interests was the underlying reason for the statutory requirement of equal representation.

Cornell University

It is beginning of a phase that historically is ridden with greater divergence of interests than convergence.

University of California, Berkeley

The split reflects the divergence of interests in a media market still governed by party cadres, said Zhan Jiang, a journalism professor at Beijing Foreign Languages University.

The New York Times

In the Third Circuit's view, the "most salient" divergence of interests separated plaintiffs already afflicted with an asbestos-related disease from plaintiffs without manifest injury (exposure-only plaintiffs).

Harvard University

Autocrats have long liked to assert that l'état, c'est moi — but often, even when dictators are clever and benign, there is an insuperable divergence of interests.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

They are by-products of the inevitable divergence of interest and threat perception that has accompanied NATO's adaptation to the post-Cold War world.

The New York Times

At Copenhagen and Cancun a fissure opened up among developing countries, with the emergence of the Basic grouping and increasingly open divergence of interest between them and the poorest and most vulnerable nations.

The Guardian

But the larger reason is a divergence of strategic interests with the United States.

The New York Times

Given the number of stakeholders and the diversity (and divergence) of their interests and points of leverage, "renegotiating" is exactly the right word.

Harvard Business Review

While the removal of fossil calibration points did not affect the divergence times of interest (i.e., Barbourula Bombina and within Barbourula), this analysis serves to underscore the need to critically evaluate calibration points as well as the importance of divergence estimation methods that incorporate uncertainty, including "relaxed" minimum divergence time calibrations [47].

Plosone

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing conflicts in organizational or international relations, use "divergence of interests" to precisely convey that different parties' goals are not aligned. This phrase adds a layer of formality and objectivity.

Common error

Avoid using "divergence of interests" in contexts where personal disagreements or personality clashes are more appropriate. This phrase is better suited for discussing systemic or structural misalignments rather than interpersonal conflicts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "divergence of interests" functions primarily as a noun phrase that identifies a state of conflicting or differing objectives among various entities. Ludwig AI confirms its usage in describing situations where alignment is lacking.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Academia

25%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "divergence of interests" is a grammatically sound noun phrase used to describe situations where different parties have conflicting objectives. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. Commonly found in news, academic, and scientific contexts, the phrase maintains a neutral to formal register, making it suitable for analytical discussions. While related to phrases like "conflict of priorities", "divergence of interests" is best applied to structural misalignments rather than personal disputes. Remember to use it when precision and objectivity are key in conveying differing objectives among entities.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

conflict of priorities

Emphasizes the conflicting nature of different priorities.

discord of aims

Highlights the lack of harmony among various goals.

clash of agendas

Focuses on competing plans or objectives.

difference in objectives

Points out the variance in intended outcomes.

split in objectives

Similar to "difference in objectives" but implies a more definitive separation.

disagreement in priorities

Highlights the lack of consensus concerning important tasks.

varied interests

Highlights existence of interests that are not in line with each other.

conflicting agendas

Similar to "clash of agendas", but may encompass more subtle conflicts.

divergent objectives

Uses a different adjective to convey separation in objectives.

mismatch of goals

Emphasizes the misalignment of desired outcomes.

FAQs

How can I use "divergence of interests" in a sentence?

You can use "divergence of interests" to describe situations where different individuals, groups, or entities have conflicting objectives. For example, "The negotiation failed due to a clear "divergence of interests" between the parties involved."

What's a formal alternative to "divergence of interests"?

Formal alternatives include "conflict of priorities" or "discord of aims", both of which maintain a professional tone while describing the misalignment of goals.

Is it better to use "divergence of interests" or "conflict of interest"?

"Conflict of interest" typically refers to a situation where a person's personal interests could potentially compromise their professional duties. "Divergence of interests" refers more broadly to situations where different parties or entities have differing goals or priorities that may not necessarily involve ethical breaches.

What are some contexts where "divergence of interests" is commonly used?

"Divergence of interests" is often used in political science, economics, business negotiations, and international relations to describe situations where different actors have conflicting goals or priorities that affect their interactions and outcomes.