self-defeating

USAGE SUMMARY

"self-defeating" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe actions or statements that undermine their own purpose or goals. An example: "His attempt to prove his point was ultimately self-defeating." Alternative expressions include "counterproductive" and "self-sabotaging."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

This dispute is self-defeating.

The Economist

Both moves are self-defeating.

The New York Times

What explains this self-defeating strategy?

The New York Times

This is cleverly handled, but self-defeating.

Independent

This is of course self-defeating.

The Economist

But that speed may be self-defeating.

The New Yorker

Besides, American policy can seem self-defeating.

The Economist

(It seems kind of self-defeating).

The New Yorker

Such predictions are self-defeating.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

"It is utterly self defeating.

The Guardian

That's sort of self defeating," he adds.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "self-defeating", ensure that the subject of the action is also the one being negatively impacted by it. For example, a strategy is "self-defeating" if it undermines the goals of the person or group implementing it.

Common error

Avoid using "self-defeating" when the failure is due to external factors rather than inherent flaws in the action itself. If a plan fails due to unforeseen circumstances or opposition, it's more accurate to describe it as simply ineffective or unsuccessful, not "self-defeating".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "self-defeating" functions primarily as an adjective. It modifies nouns, describing them as containing elements that undermine their own success. Ludwig examples show it applied to strategies, policies, and actions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

71%

Academia

17%

Science

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the term "self-defeating" is used to describe actions, strategies, or plans that contain inherent flaws that undermine their intended goals. Ludwig AI identifies it as grammatically correct and frequently used, especially in news and media contexts. When using "self-defeating", ensure that the subject of the action is also the one being negatively impacted. Alternatives like "counterproductive" and "self-sabotaging" can be used depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. "Self-defeating" is a versatile term applicable in both formal and informal contexts, making it a valuable addition to one's vocabulary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

counterproductive

Focuses on hindering progress rather than directly undermining oneself.

self-undermining

Directly implies an action is weakening its own foundation.

self-sabotaging

Emphasizes the intentional or unintentional act of sabotaging one's own efforts.

backfiring

Suggests an action has the opposite of the intended effect.

ill-advised

Suggests poor judgment rather than an inherent contradiction.

self-destructive

Implies a tendency to harm or ruin oneself.

futile

Highlights the pointlessness of an action without necessarily implying it is self-caused.

fruitless

Similar to futile, but emphasizes a lack of positive outcome.

ultimately harmful

Highlights the detrimental consequence of an action.

doomed to fail

Highlights the inevitable failure of an action or plan.

FAQs

How can I use "self-defeating" in a sentence?

You can use "self-defeating" to describe something that contains elements that will cause it to fail. For example: "Trying to cut deficits when economies are weak will lead to stagnation, they say, and even prove "self-defeating"."

What are some alternatives to saying "self-defeating"?

Some alternatives to "self-defeating" include "counterproductive", "self-sabotaging", or "ill-advised", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What does it mean for something to be described as "self-defeating"?

When something is described as "self-defeating", it means that its very nature or the way it's executed contains elements that will cause it to fail or undermine its own purpose.

Is "self-defeating" a formal or informal term?

"Self-defeating" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. It is commonly used in news articles, academic papers, and everyday conversations.