self-inflicted wound

USAGE SUMMARY

"self-inflicted wound" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe an injury that a person has caused to themselves, either physically or metaphorically. Example: "His self-inflicted wound served as a reminder of his struggles." Alternative expressions include "self-harm" and "self-inflicted injury."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Self-inflicted wound".

The New York Times

Sometimes, guilt is a self-inflicted wound.

The New York Times

The cause was a self-inflicted wound.

The New Yorker

This is a self-inflicted wound".

The New York Times

This is a grievous, self-inflicted wound.

The New York Times

"This was a self-inflicted wound".

The Guardian

Talk about your self-inflicted wound.

The New York Times

We don't need another self-inflicted wound.

The New York Times

It would be a self-inflicted wound on the economy.

The New York Times

It was all one giant, self-inflicted wound.

The Washington Post

It was, to a great extent, a self-inflicted wound.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "self-inflicted wound" to describe situations where the cause of damage or harm is clearly attributable to one's own actions or decisions, adding a layer of accountability and often, irony.

Common error

Avoid using "self-inflicted wound" too frequently in your writing. While it's a vivid expression, overuse can diminish its impact. Strive to vary your language by incorporating synonyms like "self-imposed setback" or "avoidable mistake" to maintain reader engagement and add nuance to your descriptions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "self-inflicted wound" functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "self-inflicted" modifies the noun "wound". It describes an action or decision that causes harm or damage to the person or entity responsible for it. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "self-inflicted wound" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe situations where someone's own actions lead to harm or negative consequences. As highlighted by Ludwig, its primary function is to assign blame and emphasize the avoidable nature of the problem. This expression is most frequently found in news and media contexts, indicating a neutral to professional register. While there are many semantically similar phrases, such as "self-imposed setback" and "own undoing", it's important to use them judiciously to avoid overuse. Ludwig AI confirms that it is correct and usable in written English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

self-imposed setback

Focuses on the consequence of hindering one's progress through one's own actions.

own undoing

Highlights the aspect of being the cause of one's downfall or failure.

self-created problem

Emphasizes the origin of the issue as stemming from one's own actions or decisions.

avoidable mistake

Stresses the preventability of the error and implies a degree of responsibility.

own worst enemy

Implies that a person's actions are detrimental to their own well-being or success.

self-sabotaging act

Highlights the deliberate or subconscious nature of actions that undermine one's goals.

self-defeating behavior

Focuses on the pattern of actions that consistently lead to negative outcomes.

own fault

Directly attributes responsibility for a negative outcome to oneself.

misstep of one's own making

Highlights the error in judgment and emphasizes personal responsibility.

own imprudence

Highlights a lack of caution, foresight, or wisdom.

FAQs

How can I use "self-inflicted wound" in a sentence?

You can use "self-inflicted wound" to describe actions or decisions that create problems for oneself or an organization. For example, "The company's poor communication strategy was a "self-inflicted wound" that damaged its reputation."

What's the difference between "self-inflicted wound" and "mistake"?

"Self-inflicted wound" implies a more significant and damaging consequence resulting from one's own actions, whereas "mistake" is a more general term for an error or oversight. A "self-inflicted wound" typically involves clear negligence or poor judgment.

What can I say instead of "self-inflicted wound"?

You can use alternatives like "self-imposed setback", "own undoing", or "self-created problem" depending on the specific context. These phrases emphasize the self-caused nature of the problem.

Is "self-inflicted wound" always negative?

Yes, the phrase "self-inflicted wound" always carries a negative connotation, implying that someone's actions have led to undesirable outcomes. It is used to highlight the avoidable nature of the problem and assign blame to the individual or entity responsible.