hit job

USAGE SUMMARY

"hit job" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to refer to an act done with malicious intent or a job done quickly and carelessly. For example, "That report was clearly a hit job, there were so many errors in it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 human-written examples

Stall Could Hit Job Growth | The stalled I.P.O.

The New York Times

Michiko Kakutani called the book "erratic": "part cagey spin, part earnest autobiography, part payback hit job".

The New Yorker

In the fall of the 2008, when the economic crisis hit, job postings on the site fell by 40 percent.

The New York Times

This is nothing more than another leftwing hit job designed to distract from Crooked Hillary Clinton's disastrous week".

The Guardian

NOW we know what, in today's warped political economy, $10 million buys you: a hit job spectacular not only in its cynicism but also in its idiocy.

The New York Times

Or just a photoshop hit job?

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

11 human-written examples

The union said new high-speed trains will hit jobs and on-board catering.

The Guardian

They have published stacks of studies (and a book) purporting to show that minimum wages hit jobs.

The Economist

"I just need to know whether you would rather have me hit jobs or work force," he tells the group.

The New York Times - Magazine

Mr Jones called it "an unwelcome distraction" that could hit jobs.

BBC

Members of the union say the closures and cuts proposed by the UK government will hit jobs and pensions.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Be mindful of the potentially inflammatory nature of the phrase; consider alternative wording if aiming for neutrality.

Common error

Avoid using "hit job" in highly formal or academic writing. It is generally more appropriate for journalistic or informal contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hit job" functions primarily as a noun phrase. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and used to describe an action done with malicious intent or a job done carelessly. Examples show it describing articles or actions meant to discredit someone.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "hit job" is a noun phrase used to describe a deliberate attempt to discredit or damage someone or something, particularly through biased or unfair means. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and prevalent use, especially in News & Media contexts. While it's a common phrase, it carries a negative connotation and may be too informal for certain formal or academic writing. Alternatives such as "smear campaign" or "character assassination" may be more appropriate depending on the desired tone and context. Remember to use it judiciously and be aware of its potential to be inflammatory.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

smear campaign

Focuses on the deliberate spreading of negative information.

hatchet job

Highlights the ruthlessly critical nature of the attack.

character assassination

Emphasizes the intent to destroy someone's reputation.

take-down piece

Implies a comprehensive and critical examination.

attack piece

General term for a work designed to criticize.

negative exposé

Highlights the revealing of damaging information.

political assassination

More figurative and focused on ending a political career.

witch hunt

Suggests a persecution based on flimsy evidence.

dirty tricks campaign

Highlights the use of underhanded tactics.

defamation campaign

Emphasizes the act of damaging someone's reputation through false statements.

FAQs

What does "hit job" mean?

A "hit job" refers to an attempt to discredit someone, often through unfair or biased reporting or actions. It implies a deliberate effort to damage a reputation.

How can I use "hit job" in a sentence?

You can use "hit job" to describe articles, reports, or campaigns that seem designed to unfairly damage someone's reputation. For example, "The article seemed like a deliberate "hit job" on the candidate."

What are some alternatives to "hit job"?

Alternatives to "hit job" include "smear campaign", "character assassination", or "attack piece", depending on the specific context you want to convey.

Is "hit job" a formal or informal term?

"Hit job" is considered an informal term, best suited for journalistic or casual contexts rather than formal or academic writing.