harassment

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'harassment' is correct and usable in written English.
It is generally used to describe unwanted, hostile or offensive behaviour which is repetitive and prolonged, and is intended to intimidate, humiliate or coerce someone. For example: The victim of the harassment had to file a harassment complaint against her colleague.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But the move comes as the company faces pressure over its self-service advertising tools, which have been used to troll and harass users of the site even after it announced a crackdown on harassment.

The Guardian - Tech

The latest overhaul of Twitter's safety features comes after a leaked memo from the company's chief executive, Dick Costolo, laid out in frank language its failures to get on top of harassment on the site.

The Guardian - Tech

Zoe Quinn, the game developer whose online harassment eventually spawned the anti-feminist GamerGate movement, said it was "nice to see Twitter trying to address this issue".

The Guardian - Tech

Twitter has empowered feminists to monitor whether its own harassment policies are enforced – and to see whether the "uninhibited online speech" of one group is preventing the uninhibited online speech of another.

The Guardian - Opinion

This is the kernel at the heart of so many harassment cases: the stalker will insist, with an air of honest bafflement, that they are simply exercising their right to free speech.

The Guardian - Opinion

'When womanhood occurs the girls are more vulnerable to sexual harassment,' says Jaya Jaikodi, who's been working at Mobility India for 12 years.

The Guardian

Although most articles made it clear that Smart involved the police only after experiencing a range of harassment every day for a month, the headlines pushed the wolf-whistling to the foreground.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

One article even opened with the words: "Police were called in to investigate a construction firm after a 23-year-old woman accused builders of sexual harassment – for WOLF-WHISTLING".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

When he gave a speech at the Pits and Perverts benefit, his exact words were: "You have worn our badge, Coal Not Dole, and you know what harassment means, as we do.

The Guardian - Film

"This is not the first time people who have attempted to leave Sri Lanka illegally have been returned to Sri Lanka and thousands of those people are now living completely normal lives free from harassment," he said.

The Guardian

Many students I've spoken to say their experience of sexual harassment was no worse on their placement than anywhere else – but language barriers heightened feelings of vulnerability.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Familiarize yourself with your organization's policy on "harassment" and reporting procedures. Understanding the proper channels will help you address the issue effectively.

Common error

Avoid assuming that any form of discomfort automatically qualifies as "harassment". "Harassment" typically involves repeated, unwelcome behavior that creates a hostile environment. Isolated incidents may be inappropriate, but not necessarily unlawful.

Linguistic Context

The word "harassment" functions primarily as a noun, referring to behavior that is unwanted, offensive, or threatening. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. It is often used to describe actions that create a hostile or uncomfortable environment.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "harassment" is a noun denoting persistent attacks, criticism, or unwanted behavior causing distress. Ludwig AI confirms it is accurate and usable in written English. It appears "Very common" in contexts such as news reporting, formal documentation, and everyday conversations. Understanding its legal and social implications is crucial for promoting respectful and safe environments. Remember to document instances specifically and familiarize yourself with relevant policies. Synonyms like ""bullying"" or ""intimidation"" offer nuanced alternatives depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

bullying

Focuses on repeated aggressive behavior, often in a power dynamic.

intimidation

Emphasizes the act of making someone afraid or submissive.

victimization

Highlights the state of being a victim of unfair treatment.

persecution

Implies systematic and cruel mistreatment.

molestation

Often refers to sexual abuse or exploitation.

torment

Suggests severe physical or mental suffering.

annoyance

Refers to mild irritation or disturbance.

pestering

Implies persistent and unwanted attention.

oppression

Highlights the act of subjugating a person or group.

ill-treatment

General term for unkind or unfair behavior.

FAQs

How to use "harassment" in a sentence?

You can use "harassment" to describe various situations, such as "The employee filed a complaint about sexual harassment" or "The company has a strict policy against any form of harassment".

What are some synonyms for "harassment"?

Some synonyms for "harassment" include "bullying", "intimidation", and "persecution", depending on the specific context.

What is the legal definition of "harassment"?

The legal definition of "harassment" varies by jurisdiction, but it generally involves unwelcome conduct that is offensive, intimidating, or abusive and creates a hostile environment.

What steps should I take if I experience "harassment"?

If you experience "harassment", document all incidents, report the behavior to the appropriate authorities (e.g., HR, police), and seek support from trusted friends, family, or professionals.