negative development

USAGE SUMMARY

"negative development" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
Example sentence: The lack of investment in infrastructure has resulted in a negative development in our city's economy.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Furthermore, based on the data gained through the Panel Study on Korean Children, policy makers can develop appropriate programs that stimulate positive development and prevent negative development of Korean young children throughout their life.

International Journal of Child Care and Education Policy

But this is a negative development.

The Guardian

Bobby Cox, the Braves' manager, disagreed that even losing to the Yankees was a negative development.

The New York Times - Sports

"But so far there hasn't been that much negative development registered in the numbers".

The New York Times

"I am sure that such a negative development of events is not in the interests of a single European government".

The New York Times

This is a very negative development because it pushes the improvement of Coke's returns further out into the future".

The New York Times

A senior U.S. Defense Department official said "it is hard to view this as anything other than a negative development".

The New York Times

"I think it's a very negative development for the principle of constitutional government in Latin America," Mr. Valenzuela said.

The New York Times

We conclude that the market evaluated software patents as a negative development ex ante.

Research Policy

Even after he was no longer chairman, Mr. Grant could not avoid suffering blame for a negative development.

The New York Times - Sports

Barring some unexpected negative development, Mr. Brey - who is now in his early 30's -should have a brilliant career.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "negative development", clearly specify the area or aspect that is experiencing the decline or setback to provide context and avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "negative development" as a vague descriptor. Instead of saying "The project faced a negative development", specify what went wrong: "The project faced a negative development due to budget cuts and resource shortages."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "negative development" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject, object, or complement in a sentence. Ludwig provides numerous examples showcasing its use in various contexts, confirming its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Science

32%

Formal & Business

19%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "negative development" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe an undesirable change or setback, as confirmed by Ludwig. Its usage spans various contexts, including news, science, and business, maintaining a neutral and professional tone. While versatile, it's best used with specific details to avoid vagueness. Alternative phrases like "adverse trend" or "setback" can provide nuanced meanings. Remember to specify the area or aspect affected by the "negative development" for clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

adverse trend

Focuses on the trend or direction of the development being unfavorable.

worrisome trend

Focuses on the trend being concerning and potentially leading to negative outcomes.

unfavorable turn

Highlights a change in circumstances towards a less desirable outcome.

detrimental evolution

Focuses on a harmful change or unfolding of events.

downward spiral

Emphasizes a continuous and accelerating decline.

setback

Indicates a temporary impediment or reversal in progress.

decline

Focuses on the process of diminishing or weakening.

reversal of fortune

Indicates a shift from good to bad circumstances.

regression

Highlights a return to a less developed state.

unfortunate event

Highlights the event being undesirable or causing distress.

FAQs

How can I use "negative development" in a sentence?

You can use "negative development" to describe an undesirable change or setback. For example, "The increase in unemployment is a "negative development" for the local economy."

What are some alternatives to using the phrase "negative development"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "adverse trend", "unfavorable turn", or "setback" to describe a similar situation.

Is it always appropriate to use "negative development" in formal writing?

While "negative development" is generally acceptable, consider the specific tone and audience. In highly formal contexts, a more precise term like "detrimental evolution" might be more suitable.

What's the difference between "negative development" and "negative growth"?

"Negative growth" specifically refers to a decrease in size or quantity, often in an economic or numerical context. "Negative development" is broader and can refer to any adverse change or setback, not necessarily related to quantifiable growth.