instrumentalisation

USAGE SUMMARY

"instrumentalisation" is a correct and usable word in written English.
It is usually used in a political or economic context to refer to the act of using something (people, resources, tools, etc.) in order to attain a certain objective. For example, "The government was accused of instrumentalizing public funds in order to build a new stadium."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

Mainstream Muslims object to "instrumentalisation" of the Koran.Guido Steinberg, a terrorism expert at the German Institute for International and Security Affairs in Berlin, sees the project as a reflection of competition inside the Salafist camp.

The Economist

Will it turn against the instrumentalisation of debt that crosses borders, or will it turn on the European project as a cure that is worse than the disease?

The Guardian - Opinion

But it had much popular support and it is not unreasonable to suggest that Harper's instrumentalisation of the niqab issue was designed to weaken the left in Quebec.

The Guardian - Opinion

They were always vulnerable to populist instrumentalisation: it is the transgressive that sells papers, and the Farage/Trump play was to push the boundaries of propriety in part because what is outrageous is newsworthy, and thus guarantees free coverage.

The Guardian - Opinion

Le Pen's lawyer, Marcel Ceccaldi, told Marianne she would be appealing to the European court of justice and would hold a press conference at the parliament in two weeks' time to denounce what he described as an "instrumentalisation" of the rules around parliamentary assistants.

The Guardian

This instrumentalisation of humanity could only be reversed, Marcuse maintained, by challenging the social processes which had led the governing value system to change from pleasure, joy, play and receptiveness to delayed satisfaction, the restraint of pleasure, work, productiveness and security.

The Guardian - Opinion

Haacke's horse is immune to such instrumentalisation.

The Guardian - Arts

Rather, I'm referring to intervention that can constitute dangerous manipulation or the instrumentalisation of student differences to serve wider political and propagandistic agendas.

The Guardian - Opinion

Nussbaum's conception of objectification, then, is broader than Kant/MacKinnon/Dworkin's because objectification for Nussbaum is not merely defined in terms of instrumentalisation, and also because it can take place when a person is only seen, but not treated, as an object (seen in one or more of the above seven ways that she mentions).

SEP

Second, there certainly are contexts in which this practice would constitute wrongful instrumentalisation.

SEP

Thus the appeal to dignity, instrumentalisation, and objectification would seem merely to amplify some of the concerns aired previously about consent and harm.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "instrumentalisation", ensure the context clearly indicates the entity being used as an instrument and the purpose for which it's being used. This will enhance clarity and avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "instrumentalisation" in contexts where simpler, more direct terms like "use" or "application" would suffice. Overusing complex vocabulary can obscure your message and detract from its impact.

Linguistic Context

The noun "instrumentalisation" functions primarily to describe the act or process of using something as an instrument or tool to achieve a specific end. Ludwig examples show it frequently used in political and philosophical contexts to denote strategic deployment of resources, ideas, or people.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

41%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "instrumentalisation" is a grammatically sound noun that describes the act of using something as a means to an end, often in a strategic or critical context. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English, particularly in political and economic discussions. It appears most frequently in news and media, and scientific sources. Related terms include "exploitation" and "manipulation", but it's essential to use the term judiciously and ensure clarity in your writing. While "instrumentalisation" is a valid and useful term, it is important to ensure that simpler alternatives are not more appropriate for the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exploitation

Focuses on the unfair use of someone or something for one's own advantage.

manipulation

Emphasizes skillful handling or control, often with a negative connotation.

strategic deployment

Highlights the planned and purposeful use of resources or personnel.

utilization

Refers to the practical and effective use of something.

application

Focuses on the specific purpose or task for which something is used.

mobilization

Implies the act of assembling and organizing resources for a specific purpose.

leveraging

Suggests using something to maximize its potential or impact.

harnessing

Emphasizes the act of controlling and directing something for a particular purpose.

application for political gain

Specifically denotes using something for political advantage.

deployment as a tool

Highlights the use of something as an instrument to achieve a specific goal.

FAQs

How can I use "instrumentalisation" in a sentence?

You can use "instrumentalisation" to describe the act of using something as a tool to achieve a particular goal. For example, "Critics accused the government of the "instrumentalisation of fear" to garner support for its policies."

What's the difference between "instrumentalisation" and "manipulation"?

"Instrumentalisation" refers to using something as a tool, while "manipulation" implies skillful handling or control, often with a negative connotation. "Instrumentalisation" is not always negative, but "manipulation" often is.

Are there situations where I should avoid using "instrumentalisation"?

Yes, if the context is simple and direct, using simpler terms like "use", "application", or "employment" might be more effective. "Instrumentalisation" is best suited for situations where you want to emphasize the deliberate and strategic use of something as a tool.

What are some synonyms for "instrumentalisation"?

Depending on the context, you can use synonyms like "exploitation", "manipulation", "utilization", or "application". Choose the word that best reflects the specific nuance you want to convey.