sabotaged myself

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sabotaged myself" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to actions or decisions that negatively impact one's own progress or success. Example: "I was so overwhelmed with stress that I ended up sabotaging myself by missing the deadline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

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Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Throughout my career I've always managed to sabotage myself in some way".

The Guardian - Sport

I wish I could be more passionate about it, because when I don't have a trainer, I sabotage myself.

The New York Times

If the audience are being quiet, I'll sabotage myself sometimes to get a reaction out of them.

The Guardian

It's that little crackle of "I like sabotaging myself with bad decisions" that keeps 'em coming back.

The Guardian - Opinion

My therapist says that's right — I was literally unable to do those things, and I know what he means: I'm always sabotaging myself.

The New Yorker

I was angry at my shrink (finally, after seven years) for suggesting that I'd sabotage myself by not writing this column, and then blame her.

The New York Times - Magazine

I am really hard with myself and I tend to sabotage myself, but when I'm writing I try not to do that, I try to be in the moment, to be confident".

The Guardian - Books

Why did I sabotage myself?

Huffington Post

And I'm in it and if I'm telling people what it's all about, I'm sabotaging myself.

Huffington Post

And I couldn't figure out why I was constantly sabotaging myself, achieving less than I knew I was capable of.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "sabotaged myself", be specific about the actions or decisions that led to the negative outcome. This adds clarity and impact to your writing.

Common error

While "sabotaged myself" is acceptable, consider using more formal alternatives like "undermined my efforts" or "hindered my progress" in professional or academic writing to maintain a serious tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sabotaged myself" functions as a reflexive verb phrase, where the action of sabotaging is directed back to the subject. It indicates that the subject performed actions that negatively affected themselves. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sabotaged myself" is a grammatically correct and understandable phrase used to express that one's actions have negatively affected their own progress or success. While Ludwig AI confirms its validity, it's important to be mindful of the context and consider more formal alternatives like "undermined my efforts" or "hindered my progress" in professional settings. The phrase is most commonly found in news and media, blogs, and general online content. When using "sabotaged myself", specificity about the actions causing the self-sabotage increases clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Self-sabotaged

A shorter, more direct way of saying "sabotaged myself."

Undermined my efforts

Focuses on the act of weakening or damaging one's own actions.

Stood in my own way

Highlights the obstruction of one's own path to success.

Hindered my progress

Emphasizes the slowing down or obstruction of one's advancement.

Thwarted my own success

Highlights the prevention of achieving a favorable outcome.

Interfered with my goals

Emphasizes the disruption of one's objectives.

Compromised my chances

Focuses on the reduction of one's opportunities for success.

Shot myself in the foot

An idiomatic expression for unintentionally harming oneself.

Ruined my own plans

Focuses on the destruction of one's intended actions or goals.

Created my own downfall

Emphasizes the active role in bringing about one's failure.

FAQs

What does it mean to say I "sabotaged myself"?

Saying you "sabotaged myself" means you took actions, often unintentionally, that undermined your own success or progress. It implies a degree of self-inflicted harm.

How can I avoid "sabotaging myself"?

To avoid "sabotaging myself", identify patterns of behavior that lead to negative outcomes. Strategies include seeking feedback, setting realistic goals, and managing stress effectively.

Which is a stronger phrase, "sabotaged myself" or "undermined my efforts"?

"Sabotaged myself" often carries a stronger emotional charge, suggesting a more deliberate or dramatic form of self-inflicted harm. "Undermined my efforts" is a more neutral and formal alternative.

What are some alternatives to saying I "sabotaged myself"?

You can use alternatives like "hindered my progress", "thwarted my own success", or simply "self-sabotaged" depending on the context and desired level of formality.