own worst enemy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "own worst enemy" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone who is doing something that has negative consequences for themselves. For example, "John's own worst enemy, he can't seem to stop procrastinating and it's keeping him from succeeding."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"He was his own worst enemy".

The New York Times

He is his own worst enemy.

The New York Times

I had become my own worst enemy".

Independent

She was her own worst enemy".

The New York Times - Sports

... I'm my own worst enemy.

The New Yorker

"I'm my own worst enemy.

The Guardian - Music

I'm my own worst enemy out there".

The New York Times - Sports

International Negotiation: Your Own Worst Enemy?

Harvard University

Is Arcade Fire Its Own Worst Enemy?

The New York Times

But Stayer was his own worst enemy.

Harvard Business Review

He is also his own worst enemy.

The New York Times - Style

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "own worst enemy" when you want to emphasize that someone's difficulties are primarily self-inflicted, stemming from their own actions or attitudes.

Common error

Avoid using "own worst enemy" when external circumstances are the primary cause of someone's problems. The phrase is most effective when the subject's actions are the main driver of their misfortune.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "own worst enemy" functions as a noun phrase acting as a predicative expression. It identifies a subject as the primary source of their own problems or failures. Ludwig examples show its use to characterize individuals, groups, or even abstract concepts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

10%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "own worst enemy" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe someone whose actions or behaviors consistently undermine their own success or well-being. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's a versatile phrase found across numerous reputable sources, especially within News & Media. While alternatives like "self-sabotaging" or "their own downfall" exist, "own worst enemy" specifically emphasizes the internal conflict and self-inflicted nature of the problem. When using this phrase, ensure that the subject's own actions are the primary cause of their difficulties, rather than external circumstances. By understanding its nuances and contexts, you can effectively use the phrase to convey critical observations and insights.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

self-sabotaging

Focuses on the act of sabotaging oneself, highlighting the action rather than the adversarial relationship.

doing oneself more harm than good

Emphasizes the imbalance between positive and negative consequences of one's actions.

their own undoing

Stresses the destruction or ruin caused by one's own actions, implying a fatal flaw.

their own downfall

Highlights the negative outcome resulting from one's own actions, suggesting a significant decline.

setting themselves up for failure

Focuses on actions that increase the likelihood of an unsuccessful outcome.

impeding their own progress

Focuses on the obstruction of advancement due to one's own behavior.

making things harder on themselves

Emphasizes the added difficulty one creates through their actions.

creating obstacles for themselves

Highlights the act of generating difficulties through one's own actions.

contributing to their own problems

Highlights the role one plays in generating their own issues.

his/her greatest obstacle

Shifts focus to the person being the main blockage or challenge to overcome.

FAQs

How can I use "own worst enemy" in a sentence?

You can use "own worst enemy" to describe someone whose actions consistently undermine their own success or well-being. For example, "He is his "own worst enemy" because he procrastinates constantly".

What are some alternatives to saying "own worst enemy"?

Alternatives include "self-sabotaging", "doing oneself more harm than good", or "their own downfall", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always negative to be your "own worst enemy"?

While generally negative, the phrase can sometimes imply a complex internal struggle where someone's drive or ambition leads them to push themselves too hard, becoming their "own worst enemy" in the process.

How do I identify if someone is truly their "own worst enemy"?

Look for patterns of behavior where their actions consistently lead to negative outcomes, despite their intentions. It's crucial to differentiate this from situations where external factors are primarily responsible.