pernicious relationship

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "pernicious relationship" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a relationship that is harmful or destructive, often in a subtle or insidious way. Example: "Their pernicious relationship gradually eroded her self-esteem and happiness."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

It's a pernicious relationship".

Independent

Following the hastily passed Sarbanes-Oxley act of 2002, much remains to be done, especially regarding a factor common to many recent scandals: the pernicious relationship between a boss and his firm's shares.During the 1990s, American bosses were given vast amounts of shares and share options by their companies.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

On the other he attempts to establish that close connection became pernicious collusion, contending that "the secret relationship between these two great families helped trigger the Age of Terror and give rise to the tragedy of 9/11".

The New York Times - Books

"To contaminate this process with a financial payment seriously undermines the doctor-patient relationship in a new and pernicious way".

The Guardian

The apparent causal relationship between breast cancer and pernicious anemia was not established in this case.

Surgical Case Reports

We should also be careful not to disregard the pernicious role of the west, whether in mishandling its relationship with the continent, or exploiting its resources with arrant hypocrisy.

The Guardian

One element has been missing, and that is the west's relationship with Middle Eastern dictatorships that have played a pernicious role in the rise of Islamist fundamentalist terrorism.

The Guardian - Opinion

"There was no romantic relationship," said Lisa Banks, the attorney for Ms. Hagan, "but the rumors were pernicious and grew legs, and it cost her the job".

The New York Times

But arguably its greatest -- and most pernicious -- success has been in changing the way many Americans see themselves, their relationship to each other and their connection to the nation as a whole.

Huffington Post

But when I watch Dreams of a Life I feel, even more strongly, that other pernicious tug: the horrific inevitability of time's passage, and what it does to our relationships.

The Guardian - Film

"Pernicious quicksand!

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "pernicious relationship" when you want to emphasize the subtle, insidious harm caused by the relationship, suggesting a gradual and often unnoticed erosion of well-being.

Common error

Avoid using "pernicious relationship" in everyday conversation or informal writing. Its formal tone is better suited for academic, analytical, or journalistic contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pernicious relationship" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "pernicious" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "relationship". Ludwig AI confirms this usage is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "pernicious relationship" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe a subtly harmful or destructive connection. Though relatively rare, as shown by Ludwig, it is appropriate for formal contexts like news reporting and analytical writing. The adjective "pernicious" highlights the insidious nature of the harm caused. When a less formal term is needed, synonyms like "harmful relationship" or "toxic relationship" can be used.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

harmful relationship

Emphasizes the damage caused by the relationship; a more general term.

toxic relationship

Highlights the poisonous or damaging nature of the relationship.

destructive relationship

Focuses on the ruinous impact of the relationship.

detrimental relationship

Indicates a relationship that causes disadvantage or harm.

adverse relationship

Points to unfavorable or negative conditions created by the relationship.

damaging relationship

Stresses the harm or injury inflicted by the relationship.

deleterious relationship

Indicates a subtle but harmful or damaging impact.

noxious relationship

Suggests a harmful, poisonous, or very unpleasant relationship.

vicious relationship

Implies cruelty and aggression within the relationship.

disastrous relationship

Emphasizes the extremely unfortunate or calamitous nature of the relationship.

FAQs

What does "pernicious relationship" mean?

A "pernicious relationship" refers to a relationship that is subtly harmful or destructive. The harm is often gradual and not immediately obvious.

What are some synonyms for "pernicious relationship"?

Alternatives to "pernicious relationship" include "harmful relationship", "toxic relationship", or "destructive relationship".

How can I use "pernicious relationship" in a sentence?

You might say, "The investigation revealed the "pernicious relationship" between the company's executives and organized crime."

Is "pernicious relationship" a formal or informal term?

"Pernicious relationship" is considered a formal term, better suited for academic, analytical, or journalistic writing than casual conversation.