subversion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "subversion" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the act of undermining or overthrowing an established system, authority, or belief. Example: "The novel explores themes of subversion against oppressive regimes, highlighting the struggles of those who dare to challenge the status quo."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

In reality, as 50 MPs declared when some of these revelations first surfaced, Thatcher's government and its security apparatus were themselves guilty of the mass "subversion of democratic liberties".

The Guardian - Opinion

Additionally, the dust finally settling on female masturbation makes room for some gloriously guileful subversion.

The Guardian - Music

Remember there is always a place for subversion.

The Guardian

Nato's plans would need to include not just conventional forces, he added, but countering "political agitation and subversion, cyber-attack, hostile propaganda and other destabilising effects".

The Guardian

The authorities viewed it as a site of potential subversion and there were cases of the police entering in order to arrest members of the audience.

The Guardian - Film

The Union Jack backdrop and jacket represent both a punky subversion of a national symbol and a serious statement about the rebranding of a fusty, static, class-ridden country as the international centre of a synaesthetic youth culture.

The Guardian

Being a thief is banal but writing about it is magnificent and with this exhibitionist act of tedious subversion, I have recreated myself once more as gullible, European radicals reclaim me for their own.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

ON the day before judgment was delivered at the Rivonia sabotage trial, the South African government announced that it was to ask parliament for still tougher anti-subversion powers.

The Economist

It was thanks in part to a huge and orderly protest in 2003 that Hong Kong's puppet government shelved plans to introduce an anti-subversion bill and that the hapless chief executive, Tung Chee-hwa, stepped down.

The Economist

Since 2003, when 500,000 Hong Kongers marched against proposed anti-subversion laws, the annual protests have been watched as a gauge of public sentiment, of the sort that the tilted electoral system does not allow.Unless a real typhoon intervenes, this year's protests will be huge and stormy.

The Economist

There is a danger that, if Hong Kong fails to keep the Falun Gong in check, Mr Jiang will increase the pressure on Mr Tung to introduce an anti-subversion bill.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "subversion", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being undermined. Specificity adds clarity and impact to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "subversion" without a clear target. Vague references can weaken your argument and confuse the reader. Always specify what is being undermined, whether it's a political system, a social norm, or an established belief.

Linguistic Context

The noun "subversion" primarily functions as a subject or object in a sentence, denoting the act or state of undermining something. Ludwig AI indicates it correctly describes actions intended to destabilize or overthrow.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "subversion" is a noun that describes the act of undermining or overthrowing an established system, authority, or belief. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely used, especially in news and formal contexts. The term often carries a negative connotation, referring to attempts to destabilize legitimate powers, but can also describe challenges to unjust systems. When using "subversion", clarity is key; always specify what is being undermined to enhance the impact of your writing. While "subversion" is very common across various sources, this linguistic analysis provides a comprehensive understanding of its usage, related phrases, and potential pitfalls to avoid.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

undermining authority

Focuses specifically on the act of weakening or diminishing the power or control of an authority.

undermining the system

Focuses on actions that weaken the foundations or principles of a particular system.

destabilization efforts

Highlights actions aimed at creating instability within a system or government.

overthrow attempts

Emphasizes the direct action of trying to remove a government or system from power.

revolutionary activity

Emphasizes actions aimed at causing radical change in a political or social system.

insurrection

Implies a more active and violent form of rebellion against established authority.

challenging the status quo

Highlights the act of questioning or resisting existing norms and power structures.

rebellion

A general term for resistance or opposition to authority or control.

sedition

Refers to conduct or speech inciting people to rebel against the authority of a state.

sabotage

Highlights the deliberate destruction or damage of property or systems.

FAQs

How can I use "subversion" in a sentence?

Use "subversion" to describe the act of undermining something established. For example, "The group was accused of "subversion" against the government".

What's a good synonym for "subversion"?

Depending on the context, you can use synonyms like "undermining", "sabotage", or "destabilization".

What is the difference between "subversion" and "sedition"?

"Subversion" is a broader term referring to any attempt to undermine authority. "Sedition", on the other hand, refers specifically to inciting rebellion against the authority of a state.

Is "subversion" always a negative term?

While often used negatively to describe attempts to overthrow legitimate authority, ""subversion"" can also be used in a positive light to describe challenging oppressive or unjust systems.