eroding hopes

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "eroding hopes" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a gradual loss of optimism or expectations regarding a situation or outcome. Example: "The constant delays in the project are eroding hopes for a successful completion by the deadline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Now, researchers have tried and failed to detect laser signals, further eroding hopes that there is anyone near the mysterious star who could send them. .

Science Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

But Mr Netanyahu's apparent rejection of compromise with Palestinians, and wars every few years, is eroding hope.

The Economist

No new bargaining sessions were held or scheduled as of Sunday night, further eroding hope that the season can start as scheduled on Oct. 11.

The New York Times - Sports

This was a minority perspective, though, as most participants who discussed the pursuit of experimental care abroad by patients were concerned about the quality of care and high costs and struggled to balance these concerns against not eroding hope in the course of decision-making.

BMC Medical Ethics

The immense price tag for N.I.F., even if it works perfectly and ignites, has also eroded hopes that anything resembling this kind of laser technology can ever be used economically to create commercial power.

The New York Times - Science

Simply said, fear, and the dissemination of distress, slowly erodes hope, vision, and ambition, ultimately killing businesses instead of guiding them.

TechCrunch

The ethos of "be out for yourself" is gaining ascendancy over "I am my brothers' and sisters' keeper" as inequity and terrorism erode hope and security.

Huffington Post

As climate change erodes arable land, as civil war erodes entire societies, as corruption erodes trust in governments, as economic inequities erode hope, people will try to go where they think they stand a better chance.

Huffington Post

The nation has lost nearly 550,000 jobs so far this year, eroding investors' hopes for a late-year recovery.

The New York Times

Sadly, hunger affects our children in all too staggering numbers, quietly eroding the hopes and dreams of America's youth before they can even learn about the opportunities in this, our "land of plenty". The stark reality is that nearly one of out four children in America faces hunger.

HuffPost

The road is eroding – we hope it holds until the water recedes.

Unicef

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "eroding hopes" to describe a gradual decline in optimism due to repeated setbacks or negative experiences. It suggests a slow and steady process of hope being diminished.

Common error

Avoid using "eroding hopes" when describing a sudden or immediate loss of hope. Opt for phrases like "shattered hopes" or "dashed hopes" in such cases.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "eroding hopes" functions as a verb phrase followed by a noun, acting as a descriptor of a process where optimism is gradually diminished. Ludwig AI confirms that it correctly describes the weakening of expectations.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "eroding hopes" is a grammatically sound and usable phrase that effectively describes the gradual decline of optimism. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. While not exceedingly common, it appears across various contexts, including news, science, and business, with a neutral register. When using this phrase, consider whether you intend to convey a slow and steady weakening of expectations, as opposed to a sudden loss. Related phrases like "diminishing expectations" or "waning optimism" may offer alternative nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

diminishing expectations

Focuses on the decrease in what is anticipated or expected, rather than the emotional impact of hope.

waning optimism

Highlights the fading of a positive outlook or confidence.

dwindling expectations

Implies a reduction in the amount or degree of anticipation.

fading prospects

Emphasizes the declining chances of a favorable outcome.

vanishing prospects

Similar to 'fading prospects', it denotes the disappearance of potential opportunities.

undermining confidence

Focuses on actions or events that weaken trust or belief.

disappearing aspirations

Highlights the vanishing of ambitions or goals.

faltering belief

Highlights the weakening or wavering of trust or faith in something.

shattering illusions

Conveys a sudden and forceful destruction of false beliefs or hopes.

collapsing dreams

Emphasizes the failure or ruin of cherished ambitions or ideals.

FAQs

How can I use "eroding hopes" in a sentence?

You can use "eroding hopes" to describe a situation where optimism is gradually decreasing over time, such as, "The constant delays in the project are "eroding hopes" for a successful completion."

What are some alternatives to "eroding hopes"?

Alternatives include "diminishing expectations", "waning optimism", or "fading prospects", each offering a slightly different nuance in describing the decline of positive outlooks. See also "fading prospects".

Is it more appropriate to say "eroding hopes" or "shattered hopes"?

"Eroding hopes" implies a gradual decline, while "shattered hopes" suggests a sudden and complete loss. The choice depends on whether the loss of hope was gradual or immediate. See also "shattered hopes".

What causes "eroding hopes"?

"Eroding hopes" typically result from repeated failures, setbacks, or negative experiences that cumulatively diminish optimism and confidence over time.