toxic environment

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "toxic environment" is grammatically correct and commonly used in written English.
It can be used to describe a negative or harmful atmosphere or situation in which people feel uncomfortable, stressed, or unhappy. Example: The workplace was characterized by a toxic environment, with constant competition and criticism among coworkers.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It is a toxic environment.

The Guardian

We've got a brewing, toxic environment".

The Guardian

I was defeated and bullied in the toxic environment that schools have become.

The Guardian

"We didn't want to be working in a toxic environment and throwing materials away".

The New York Times - Travel

But none of this negates the toxic environment of the Trending team.

The Guardian - Tech

Almost as if her art could not happen in proximity to such a toxic environment.

The Guardian - Sport

Who can blame ordinary citizens from avoiding the debate in such a toxic environment?

The Guardian - Opinion

Control your environment Anger thrives in a toxic environment, feeding on itself.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

We then inherited these "thrifty" genes, despite their liability in today's toxic environment.

The New York Times - Magazine

Attacking the Dove ad as part of this "toxic" environment sends the wrong message.

The Guardian - Opinion

And it's time to clean up the toxic environment in Washington, D.C".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience and context when using the phrase "toxic environment". While widely understood, it can be a strong term; ensure it accurately reflects the severity of the situation.

Common error

Avoid simply labeling a situation as a "toxic environment" without providing concrete details. Describe the specific behaviors, policies, or conditions that create the negative atmosphere to make your assessment credible.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "toxic environment" functions primarily as a descriptor, characterizing a situation or place as harmful, unpleasant, and detrimental to well-being. Ludwig confirms its correct grammatical usage and common application across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "toxic environment" is a commonly used and grammatically correct expression to describe a negative or harmful setting. Ludwig's examples show its wide application in news, science, and various professional contexts. While "toxic environment" effectively conveys negativity and harm, it's important to use it with specificity, providing concrete examples to support your assessment. Alternatives such as "harmful environment" or "negative atmosphere" may be suitable depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

harmful environment

Replaces "toxic" with "harmful", focusing on the damaging effects.

noxious environment

Substitutes "toxic" with "noxious", highlighting the unpleasant and potentially dangerous nature.

poisonous atmosphere

Changes "environment" to "atmosphere", emphasizing the pervasive negative influence.

corrosive atmosphere

Replaces "toxic" with "corrosive", indicating a gradual and destructive impact.

negative atmosphere

A more general term, replacing "toxic" with "negative" to describe the overall feeling.

unhealthy atmosphere

Focuses on the detrimental effect on well-being.

destructive atmosphere

Highlights the damaging potential of the environment.

hostile environment

Emphasizes the antagonistic and unwelcoming nature.

difficult situation

A broader term focusing on the problematic aspect.

challenging situation

Highlights the demanding and difficult aspects.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "toxic environment" in a sentence?

Use "toxic environment" to describe a setting filled with negativity, stress, and harm. For example, "The constant criticism created a "toxic environment" in the office."

What are some alternatives to the phrase "toxic environment"?

You can use alternatives like "harmful environment", "negative atmosphere", or "hostile environment" depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "toxic environment" in formal writing?

Yes, "toxic environment" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when discussing serious issues in business, politics, or social contexts. However, ensure that your assessment is supported by evidence.

What are the common causes of a "toxic environment"?

Common causes include poor management, lack of communication, bullying, harassment, excessive competition, and unrealistic expectations. These factors can create a "toxic environment" that negatively impacts well-being and productivity.