stifle progress

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'stifle progress' is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to describe a situation in which progress is hindered, suppressed, or restricted in some way. For example: "The bureaucracy and red tape in this organization stifles progress."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

Assumptions can stifle progress and limit potential when no one thinks to question them.

Harvard Business Review

And maybe they were good long ago, but too often these days they serve merely to stifle progress, entrench the positions of giant corporations and enrich those in the legal profession, rather than the actual inventors".

The New Yorker

The diplomat said that while the commission is correct to scold member countries for failing to adopt the single-market laws, the commission itself should not stifle progress with too much regulation.

The New York Times

Without justice, how do they expect the wounds to heal?" Disappointment wears hardest on communities like El Quemado, where the legacy of past atrocities continues to affect daily life and stifle progress.

The New York Times

This is not good news for scientists, "who say the measure would stifle progress in disease research," Servick wrote.

Science Magazine

AIDS immunologist Bruce Walker of Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston calls the NIAID draft policy "not very visionary," and he predicts that it will "stifle progress".

Science Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

Global warming is causing irreversible damage to the environment, poverty and greed is stifling progress and corruption is rife.

Independent

"The investment environment remains toxic because of corruption scandals, policy inertia and fierce political opposition have stifled progress on reform".

The New York Times

I have also come across people who have clung to power when challenged by their juniors – and have stifled progress.

The Guardian

The Queensland Resources Council's chief executive, Michael Roche, accused anti-coal groups of stifling progress in the untapped Galilee Basin.

The Guardian

But occasionally, they can backfire, stifling progress and limiting potential because no one thought to question them.

Harvard Business Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "stifle progress" when you want to emphasize a force or action that actively suppresses or hinders advancement. For example: "Excessive regulation can "stifle progress" in the tech industry".

Common error

While "stifle progress" is a valid phrase, avoid using it excessively in casual conversations or informal writing. Opt for simpler alternatives like "slow down" or "hold back" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "stifle progress" functions as a verb phrase, where "stifle" acts as the verb and "progress" as the direct object. Ludwig AI validates this usage, showing it describes the act of hindering or suppressing advancement, as seen in the examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

14%

Less common in

Academia

7%

Wiki

3%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "stifle progress" is a grammatically correct and usable expression that effectively conveys the idea of hindering or suppressing advancement. Ludwig AI confirms this, and while the phrase is more common in news and media, it is also found in scientific and formal business contexts. When you want to emphasize a force that actively prevents or hinders advancement, "stifle progress" is a suitable choice. Consider synonyms like "impede progress" or "hinder advancement" to tailor your message. While versatile, avoid overuse in informal conversations to maintain a natural tone. Overall, understanding these insights will help you effectively use "stifle progress" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

impede progress

Emphasizes the slowing down or obstruction of progress.

hinder advancement

Highlights the obstruction of forward movement or development.

obstruct development

Focuses on the blocking or preventing of growth and progress.

inhibit growth

Suggests a restraint or suppression of expansion and development.

hamper advancement

Implies making progress more difficult or cumbersome.

thwart development

Indicates the prevention of a plan or ambition from succeeding.

suppress innovation

Focuses specifically on hindering the introduction of new ideas or methods.

curtail advancement

Suggests reducing or restricting the extent of forward movement.

retard progress

Implies slowing down or delaying advancement.

stall momentum

Highlights the stopping or slowing of forward drive or impetus.

FAQs

How can I use "stifle progress" in a sentence?

You can use "stifle progress" to describe actions or conditions that hinder advancement. For instance, "Bureaucratic red tape can "stifle progress" in government projects".

What are some synonyms for "stifle progress"?

Alternatives include "impede progress", "hinder advancement", or "obstruct development". The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "stifle progress" formal or informal?

"Stifle progress" is suitable for formal and professional contexts. In more casual settings, consider alternatives like "slow down" or "hold back".

What causes can "stifle progress"?

Various factors can "stifle progress", including lack of funding, excessive regulation, resistance to change, and poor management.