erode trust

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'erode trust' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation where someone's trust in someone else, an organization, a system, or something else has been weakened or lost over time, usually due to poor communication or broken promises. For example, "The company's unethical actions have eroded trust among their employees."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Mismanagement, especially a failure to disclose, can erode trust.

The Guardian - Opinion

For the Government to refuse to make him do so will... further erode trust in politics".

Independent

In the long run, the spread of misinformation could erode trust in the entire system.

The Guardian - Tech

These deregulatory changes would undermine consumer protections and erode trust in the legal system".

The Guardian

Done wrong, it could erode trust in science for an increasingly sceptical public.

Nature

Give them a heads-up when you're underwater so you don't erode trust.

Harvard Business Review

Thus, it only takes a single compromised SGX machine to erode trust in the entire SGX ecosystem.

University of California, Berkeley

For centuries, gossip has been dismissed as salacious, idle chatter that can damage reputations and erode trust.

University of California, Berkeley

On the team level, unarticulated but apparent frustrations erode trust, interfere with communication, and contribute to animosity.

Harvard Business Review

Instead, emotional contagion, digitally enabled, could erode trust in vaccines so much as to render them moot.

Nature

Instead of promoting trust within society, it is very possible that China's social credit system will actually further erode trust in China's society.

University of California, Berkeley

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In professional contexts, prioritize transparency to prevent actions that could "erode trust". Open communication and clear explanations build confidence and rapport.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the extent to which trust has been eroded. Use precise language and evidence to demonstrate the actual impact, rather than making broad, unsubstantiated claims.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "erode trust" functions as a verb phrase indicating a gradual decline or weakening of confidence or belief. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is a common and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Academia

20%

Science

18%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "erode trust" effectively describes a gradual decline in confidence, often resulting from negative actions or events. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically sound and widely used. It appears frequently across various contexts, notably in news, academic research and scientific articles. To avoid overstating the erosion, use precise language and evidence. Alternatives like "undermine confidence" or "damage credibility" can offer nuanced variations. Transparency and specific examples are key to preventing situations that "erode trust" in both professional and personal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

undermine confidence

Implies a weakening of confidence, similar to eroding trust, but suggests a more subtle or insidious process.

damage credibility

Focuses on the loss of believability or reliability, which can result from eroded trust.

weaken faith

Emphasizes the reduction of belief or conviction, a key component of trust.

shake confidence in

Highlights the act of causing doubt or uncertainty, leading to a decrease in trust.

corrode faith

Faith is gradually destroyed, mirroring the gradual nature of trust erosion.

sap confidence

Gradually weakens confidence, drawing it away slowly.

destroy confidence

Indicates a complete loss of confidence, a more extreme outcome of eroding trust.

compromise integrity

Focuses on the undermining of moral principles, which leads to a loss of trust.

foster distrust

Emphasizes the creation or encouragement of a lack of trust, rather than its decline.

breed suspicion

Highlights the generation of doubt and wariness, which are antithetical to trust.

FAQs

How can I use "erode trust" in a sentence?

You can use "erode trust" to describe actions or events that gradually diminish confidence in someone or something. For example, "The company's misleading advertisements /s/damaged credibility and "eroded trust" among consumers."

What are some alternatives to "erode trust"?

Alternatives to "erode trust" include "undermine confidence", "damage credibility", or "weaken faith", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What actions typically "erode trust" in a professional setting?

Actions that can "erode trust" in a professional environment include miscommunication, lack of transparency, broken promises, and unethical behavior. Addressing these issues promptly and openly is crucial for maintaining a healthy and trusting workplace.

How does a lack of transparency "erode trust" in institutions?

A lack of transparency can /s/foster+distrust and "erode trust" by creating suspicion and uncertainty. When information is withheld or obscured, people may assume the worst, leading to a decline in confidence and faith in the institution.