Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
impair success
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "impair success" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing factors or actions that negatively affect the achievement of goals or desired outcomes. Example: "Lack of proper planning can significantly impair success in any project."
✓ Grammatically correct
Science
News & Media
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
2 human-written examples
Furthermore, slight overfilling did not impair success.
Science
The presence of debris within a pseudocyst may impair success of endoscopic drainage.
Science
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
58 human-written examples
Nevertheless, there remain uncertainties that, if not adequately addressed, might impair their success.
The research literature has identified information gaps, college costs and lack of full-time attendance as some of the factors that impair the success rates of disadvantaged young people in college (Bound et al. 2009; Hoxby and Turner 2013).
Science
We conclude from these data that the use of our new TC AI catheter for TC AI or intrauterine AI should not impair the success of AI in sheep.
Science
In addition to illustrating the difficulty of predicting exposure pathways that may vary among landscape contexts, our study provides evidence that even trace levels of contaminants may impair reproductive success of free-living songbirds.
Now come two unconventional thinkers, a physicist in New Mexico and a biologist in Massachusetts, with an arresting question: If such diseases are indeed genetic, and if they impair reproductive success, why haven't the traits disappeared from the gene pool by now?
News & Media
Studies have documented high interindividual variability in the pharmacokinetics of antiretroviral drugs, which may impair the success of HAART if not managed properly.
This poses the risk that HIV with definite resistance profiles may be transmitted to uninfected people and thus will impair the success of ART programs.
Science
This ability of cancer cells to become simultaneously resistant to several structurally unrelated drugs that do not have a common mechanism of action is known as multidrug resistance and can severely impair the success of cancer chemotherapy.
Diversity in drug reaction due to genetic differences is a major factor in ADRs, in combination with physiological (weight, gender and age), environmental (pollution and diet) and social (wealth, education and family) factors that are susceptible to impair treatment success and that can even lead to death [ 26].
Science
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Consider using stronger synonyms like "jeopardize" or "undermine" if you want to emphasize the severity of the impact on success.
Common error
Avoid using "impair success" if the negative impact is only potential or minor. Use more cautious language, such as "may affect" or "could influence", unless there's clear evidence of significant impairment.
Source & Trust
83%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "impair success" primarily functions as a verb phrase where "impair" acts as a transitive verb, taking "success" as its direct object. This indicates an action that diminishes or weakens the likelihood of achieving a desired outcome. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is usable in written English.
Frequent in
Science
65%
News & Media
30%
Formal & Business
5%
Less common in
Encyclopedias
0%
Wiki
0%
Reference
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, the phrase "impair success" is a grammatically correct and usable expression that describes the negative impact on achieving a desired outcome. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for written English and appears mostly in scientific and news-related content. Although not very frequent, it is employed to express concern about factors that could hinder the attainment of goals. Consider using synonyms like "hinder success" or "undermine success" to add nuance, and always ensure that the causes of impairment are evident to maintain clarity in your writing. While this phrase can add weight to your argument, avoid overstating the impact if not supported by evidence.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
hinder success
Replaces "impair" with "hinder", suggesting a slowing or obstruction of progress toward success.
undermine success
Substitutes "impair" with "undermine", emphasizing a weakening or destabilizing effect on success.
jeopardize success
Uses "jeopardize" instead of "impair", highlighting the risk or danger to the achievement of success.
compromise success
Replaces "impair" with "compromise", suggesting a reduction in the quality or extent of success.
affect success negatively
Expands the phrase to explicitly state a negative effect on success.
diminish success
Uses "diminish" in place of "impair", indicating a reduction in the degree or amount of success.
damage success
Substitutes "impair" with "damage", implying harm or injury to the prospects of success.
weaken success
Employs "weaken" instead of "impair", suggesting a reduction in the strength or resilience of success.
obstruct success
Replaces "impair" with "obstruct", highlighting a blockage or impediment to achieving success.
inhibit success
Uses "inhibit" in place of "impair", suggesting a restraint or suppression of success.
FAQs
How can I use "impair success" in a sentence?
You can use "impair success" to describe factors that negatively affect the achievement of a goal. For instance, "Lack of preparation can "hinder success" in any endeavor."
What are some synonyms for "impair success"?
Alternatives to "impair success" include "undermine success", "jeopardize success", and "compromise success". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.
Is it better to say "impair success" or "affect success"?
"Impair success" implies a more significant negative impact than "affect success". "Affect success" is a broader term, while "impair success" suggests a more substantial hindrance.
What kind of situations typically "impair success"?
Situations that "impair success" often involve factors like inadequate resources, poor planning, unexpected obstacles, or internal conflicts. The specific context will determine the most relevant factors.
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
83%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested