infighting

USAGE SUMMARY

"infighting" is a correct and usable word in written English.
It is used to describe conflict between people within a group, usually a group of people who share a common goal or cause. For example: "The infighting between the political parties has been detrimental to their efforts to pass new legislation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Ukip has descended into bitter infighting since the election.

The Guardian

As the infighting worsened, Simon Khaya Moyo, Zanu-PF's chairman, issued an edict: "I must warn the party leadership, at every level, not to use the media to abuse the first lady's name for whatever reason.

The Guardian

It isn't easy anywhere, let alone somewhere with Madrid's record of politics and infighting, when a new kid on the block is ushered in to replace someone who has become an institution at their club in the way Casillas has for the 10-time European Cup holders.

The Guardian - Sport

As the Greens gathered for their annual conference in Hove, Owen Clarke, the coordinator of the party's disputes resolution committee, said the "friction" between some activists could scupper their parliamentary hopes, and expressed "dismay" at party infighting.

The Guardian

Carswell's intervention came after about of infighting within Ukip in the wake of Farage's election defeat in South Thanet and the loss of one of its two MPs.

The Guardian

A Labour party spokesperson said: "Another day, another episode of Tory infighting.

The Guardian

The author of Ukip's general election manifesto has said the party should concentrate on "compassionate, centre-ground" policies, denying the party was riven with bitter infighting.

The Guardian

For now, all-out infighting between groups ostensibly on the same side has been prevented by a stronger hatred for the enemy, as both the pro-Kiev and pro-separation forces have cultivated a hatred for their opponents.

The Guardian

Bad local and European results usually unleash a vicious bout of Conservative infighting but not this time, at least not so far.

The Guardian

"I'm concerned that Labour are going to have another protracted period of infighting and they aren't going to give an effective opposition to the Tory government.

The Guardian

Others interpret his conviction as the result of infighting among the top echelon of China's politicians.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "infighting", ensure the context clearly indicates which group is experiencing the internal conflict. Be specific about the factions or individuals involved to provide a clearer picture of the situation.

Common error

Avoid using "infighting" without clearly identifying the parties involved in the conflict. Vague usage can leave the audience unclear about who is fighting whom, diminishing the impact of your statement.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "infighting" is as a noun, often used to describe a state of conflict or quarreling within a specific group. Ludwig AI shows its frequent usage in news articles and reports to highlight internal discord.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Formal & Business

12%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the term "infighting" is a noun that describes conflict within a group, often implying negative consequences. According to Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and very commonly used, particularly in the context of news and media. When using the term, clarity in specifying the involved parties is crucial to avoid vagueness. Related terms include "internal conflict" and "factionalism", offering alternative ways to express internal discord. The neutral register of "infighting" makes it suitable for analytical and reporting contexts. Ludwig AI confirms the term's validity and widespread usage across various reputable sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

internal conflict

Focuses on the conflict being inside an entity, rather than the act of fighting itself.

internal strife

Emphasizes the struggle and discord within a group.

factionalism

Highlights the division into factions as the source of the conflict.

internal disputes

A more formal way to describe disagreements within an organization.

power struggles

Suggests the conflict is about gaining or maintaining power.

internal squabbles

Implies petty or trivial disagreements within the group.

discord within the ranks

Emphasizes the lack of harmony within the group's structure.

divisions within the group

Highlights the presence of separate factions or opinions.

internal rivalries

Focuses on the competitive nature of the conflict among members.

in-house bickering

Highlights the petty and often unproductive nature of the arguments.

FAQs

How to use "infighting" in a sentence?

Use "infighting" to describe conflicts or disputes within a group. For example, "The party's progress was hampered by constant infighting".

What can I say instead of "infighting"?

You can use alternatives like "internal conflict", "internal strife", or "factionalism" depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "infighting" in formal writing?

Yes, "infighting" is acceptable in formal writing, particularly when discussing political or organizational conflicts. However, consider alternatives like "internal disputes" for a more neutral tone.

What's the difference between "infighting" and "rivalry"?

"Infighting" specifically refers to conflict within a group, while "rivalry" describes competition between individuals or groups, which may or may not be within the same entity. "Infighting" suggests a more disruptive and detrimental form of conflict than mere "rivalry".