malign role

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "malign role" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a negative or harmful function or influence that someone or something has in a particular context. Example: "The organization played a malign role in the community, spreading misinformation and creating division among residents."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

He took dead aim at racially exclusionary country clubs and the malign role of money and drugs in professional sports.

The New York Times

People described the often dubious, malign role being played by certain NGOs funded by aid agencies wholly devoted to furthering corporate prospects.

The Guardian - Opinion

In one way, the yellow-shirted elite is right: Mr Thaksin probably did play a malign role, especially in helping scupper attempts at a negotiated end to the protests.

The Economist

And for that, ISAF's commanders and their political masters have been ever more vocally blaming the malign role played by Pakistan.Not only has it provided sanctuary from which terrorists have mounted attacks in Afghanistan.

The Economist

However, there is acceptance of the malign role he played in organising Stalinesque purges, causing famine with the disastrous agricultural experiment known as the Great Leap Forward in which millions died, and in orchestrating the Cultural Revolution, which began 45 years ago and in which many of today's leadership suffered.

Independent

CIA leaders at agency headquarters in Langley, Va., are bracing for a potentially adversarial relationship with Trump's White House, especially over what the spy agency sees as Russia's malign role on multiple fronts, according to two officials who requested anonymity in speaking about internal discussions.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

He excelled at malign roles but usually failed at parts calling for nobility, virtue, tenderness, or comic talent.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The deal represents a massive triumph for Rivers, who has been widely maligned in his role as the Clippers' president of basketball operations.

Los Angeles Times

But Affleck is in any case very different to his predecessor Christian Bale, who had a fierce and even malign intensity in the role; Bale brought his gym-built bulk and combustible reputation with him — this was the man who had played the lead in American Psycho and has had fanatically fierce and highly publicised bust-ups with family and professional colleagues.

The Guardian - Film

Reenactment of the roles of malign spirits called for the production of grotesque masks and demonic costumes and also of clamorous noisemakers (bells, horns, rattles, and the like) to drive them away.

Encyclopedia Britannica

When it came to the elections, his role appears more malign than incompetent.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the impact of an entity, use "malign role" to highlight its active and harmful influence. For example, "The corporation played a "malign role" in the environmental disaster".

Common error

Avoid using "malign role" in situations where the negative impact is minor or unintentional. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound hyperbolic. Reserve it for scenarios involving significant harm or deliberate wrongdoing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "malign role" functions as a noun phrase, where "malign" is an adjective modifying the noun "role". It typically describes a negative or harmful influence exerted by someone or something, according to Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "malign role" is a valid and grammatically correct expression used to describe a harmful or negative influence. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability. While not extremely common, it appears primarily in news and media contexts and authoritative sources such as The New York Times and The Guardian use it. When using "malign role", ensure the context warrants the strong negative connotation, reserving it for situations involving significant harm or deliberate wrongdoing. Alternatives such as "harmful influence" or "detrimental impact" can be considered for milder situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

harmful influence

Replaces "malign" with "harmful", focusing on the detrimental effect.

detrimental impact

Substitutes both words with synonyms highlighting the adverse outcome.

negative effect

Uses a more general term for a bad outcome.

baneful influence

Replaces "malign" with a more archaic term for harmful.

pernicious effect

Emphasizes the gradual and subtle harm caused.

corrupting influence

Focuses on the idea of moral decay or degradation.

damaging impact

Highlights the physical or structural harm caused.

injurious influence

Emphasizes the potential for injury or harm.

deleterious role

Uses a more formal term for harmful or destructive.

destructive part

Shifts focus to the active role in causing destruction.

FAQs

How can I use "malign role" in a sentence?

You can use "malign role" to describe the harmful or negative influence someone or something has in a particular situation. For instance, "The media played a "malign role" in spreading misinformation".

What can I say instead of "malign role"?

You can use alternatives like "harmful influence", "detrimental impact", or "negative effect" depending on the context.

What makes a role described as "malign"?

A "malign role" indicates that someone or something is actively causing harm or has a significantly negative impact on a situation. It suggests a deliberate or extremely detrimental influence.

Is "malign" always used to describe roles of people or organizations?

While often used to describe roles of people or organizations, "malign" can also describe the characteristics of things or abstract concepts. However, "malign role" specifically refers to the function or part played by an entity.