socially destructive

USAGE SUMMARY

"socially destructive" is correct and can be used in written English.
For example, you could use it in a sentence such as: "The use of drugs can have long-lasting, socially destructive repercussions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

As Aristotle said, humans are social animals, and feuding is socially destructive in terms of human development.

The New Yorker

"Do something socially destructive that humiliates your parents," she urges.

The New York Times - Arts

But that arms race is both self- and socially destructive.

The New York Times

This was "a new kind of drunkenness," he writes, "wilder and more socially destructive".

The New York Times - Books

Britain is in the midst of an ever more socially destructive housing crisis.

Independent

Rip-roaring inflation is certainly not, and is socially destructive as well.

The Guardian - Business

It's not just the injury; it's the insult that is potentially socially destructive.

The New Yorker

It is hard to imagine a more industry-friendly and socially destructive principle than this.

Harvard University

This is inevitable, it is progress, but it is also socially destructive.

The Guardian - Opinion

She was the most socially destructive prime minister of modern times.

The Guardian - Opinion

He said the banking industry had become "economically damaging and socially destructive".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "socially destructive", consider the specific aspect of society being harmed to provide a clearer understanding of the impact. For instance, specify whether it's the economy, environment, or social relationships that are negatively affected.

Common error

Avoid using "socially destructive" as a broad label without providing specific examples or evidence. Clearly articulate the mechanisms through which the action or policy is causing harm to society.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "socially destructive" functions primarily as an adjective phrase modifying a noun. It describes something that has a negative impact on society. Ludwig provides numerous examples of this usage, confirming its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

20%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "socially destructive" is a common and grammatically correct adjective phrase used to describe actions or policies that negatively impact society. As Ludwig highlights, it's frequently used in news and media, as well as academic contexts, to express disapproval of something causing harm to social structures. While generally neutral in register, its impact is heightened by clearly articulating what aspects of society are being harmed. Consider alternatives like "detrimental to society" or "harmful to social fabric" to further refine the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

socially detrimental

A more formal and direct synonym, nearly interchangeable.

socially corrosive

Implies that the action gradually destroys the moral values and relationships.

detrimental to society

Focuses on the damaging aspect to the whole of society, slightly more formal.

harmful to social fabric

Emphasizes the damage to the interconnected relationships within a community.

damaging to social well-being

Highlights the negative impact on the overall health and happiness of a community.

undermining social cohesion

Focuses on the weakening of bonds that hold society together.

corrosive to social values

Implies a gradual and damaging effect on the principles society holds dear.

antithetical to social progress

Highlights opposition to positive development within society.

inimical to social harmony

Indicates an opposition to peaceful and cooperative social interactions.

disruptive to social order

Emphasizes the disturbance of established norms and structures.

FAQs

How can I use "socially destructive" in a sentence?

You can use "socially destructive" to describe actions or policies that have a negative impact on society, such as "The policy was deemed "socially destructive" due to its impact on income inequality".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "socially destructive"?

Alternatives to "socially destructive" include "detrimental to society", "harmful to social fabric", or "socially detrimental", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "socially destructive" or "destructive to society"?

Both "socially destructive" and "destructive to society" are grammatically correct, but "socially destructive" is more concise and commonly used. The choice depends on stylistic preference and the specific context.

What's the difference between "socially destructive" and "economically destructive"?

"Socially destructive" refers to actions or policies that harm social structures and relationships, while "economically destructive" refers to those that harm the economy. For example, a policy that increases crime might be "socially destructive", while a trade war might be "economically destructive".