is being undermined

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is being undermined" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where something is being weakened or damaged, often in a subtle or gradual manner. Example: "The trust between the two parties is being undermined by constant miscommunication."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

My position is being undermined".

Independent

But now it is being undermined.

Independent

Freedom to dissent is being undermined".

The New York Times

Their education is being undermined.

The Guardian

The tissue-thin national economic recovery is being undermined.

The New York Times

"All of their confidence and determination is being undermined".

The New York Times

Right now, this ethos is being undermined from all directions.

The New York Times

This is what Annan wants, but he is being undermined.

The Guardian - Opinion

Freedom is not being spread, it is being undermined.

The Guardian

But many here say that this autonomy is being undermined.

The New York Times

The neoliberal era is being undermined from two directions.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is being undermined", ensure the context clearly identifies what is doing the undermining and what is being undermined for clarity and impact.

Common error

While "is being undermined" is grammatically correct, overuse of the passive voice can make your writing sound weak or indirect. Consider restructuring the sentence to use an active voice for a more direct and impactful message.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is being undermined" functions as a passive verb phrase. It indicates that something is the recipient of an action that weakens or damages it. Ludwig AI examples show the phrase describing situations where concepts like freedom, confidence, and reputations are negatively affected.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Formal & Business

3%

Science

1%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is being undermined" is a commonly used passive verb phrase that describes an ongoing process of weakening or damaging something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and frequently appears in news and media contexts, often expressing concern about negative trends. While versatile, overuse of the passive voice should be avoided for stronger writing. Related phrases include "is being weakened", "is being eroded", and "is being jeopardized", each offering a slightly different nuance. By understanding the context and potential alternatives, you can effectively use "is being undermined" to convey your intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is being jeopardized

Focuses on the risk or potential danger to something.

is being weakened

Emphasizes the loss of strength or effectiveness.

is being eroded

Highlights a gradual process of wearing away or diminishing.

is being threatened

Indicates that something is at risk of harm or damage.

is being destabilized

Suggests a loss of stability or equilibrium.

is being subverted

Implies a deliberate attempt to overthrow or weaken.

is being compromised

Highlights the act of reducing quality or principle.

is being impaired

Focuses on the diminished functionality or effectiveness.

is being vitiated

Emphasizes the corruption or invalidation of something.

is being counteracted

Suggests active opposition that reduces effectiveness.

FAQs

How can I use "is being undermined" in a sentence?

Use "is being undermined" to describe a situation where something is gradually weakened or damaged, like "The company's reputation "is being undermined" by recent scandals".

What are some alternatives to "is being undermined"?

You can use phrases such as "is being weakened", "is being eroded", or "is being jeopardized" as alternatives, depending on the specific context.

Is it better to use active or passive voice when describing something that is being undermined?

While passive voice is correct, using active voice can often make your sentence more direct and impactful. For example, instead of "Trust "is being undermined" by these actions", you could say "These actions are undermining trust".

What's the difference between "is being undermined" and "is undermined"?

"Is being undermined" indicates an ongoing process of weakening, while "is undermined" suggests that the weakening is already complete. For example, "The foundation "is being undermined" by the floodwaters" (process ongoing) versus "The foundation is undermined" (the damage is done).