undermine each other

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "undermine each other" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where two or more parties weaken or damage each other's efforts or positions, often unintentionally. Example: "In their quest for power, the two factions began to undermine each other, leading to a weakened overall movement."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

Do they always undermine each other?

Cornell University

Several Palestinian leaders have sufficient strength to undermine each other.

The Washington Post

Public and internal statements and actions can reinforce or undermine each other.

The Guardian

Pick your New Year resolutions sparingly, otherwise they'll undermine each other.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Documents leaked by Edward Snowden have exposed more details about how the NSA's dual missions undermine each other.

The Guardian - Opinion

"With the band, I know what it's like to work with blokes and the subtle way blokes undermine each other.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

They started to unravel and undermine each-other, and before long people were yelling that the bloke who used to voice Fozzy was being being paid off by Sesame Street's lawyers to claim two of his Muppets are straight.

Vice

Greek conservatives are past masters at undermining each other.

The Economist

"The one-upmanship, the voices, the undermining each other – that's a fiction.

Independent

However, this paper demonstrates that various governance structures within the City, whilst designed to address these challenges, are instead competing with, and undermining each other.

Ocean & Coastal Management

The pact also provides for noninterference in each other's internal affairs, halts actions undermining each other's security and provides for political and cultural exchanges.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "undermine each other", ensure the context clearly establishes the reciprocal nature of the action. It should be evident that both parties are actively or passively weakening each other's position or efforts.

Common error

Avoid using "undermine each other" when the action is only directed one way. The phrase suggests a reciprocal dynamic. If only one party is being undermined, a different verb construction is more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "undermine each other" functions as a reciprocal verb phrase, indicating a mutual action where two or more entities weaken or destabilize one another. As seen in Ludwig, its core meaning is related to diminishing the effectiveness or strength of involved parties.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

16%

Science

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "undermine each other" is a commonly used reciprocal verb phrase that describes situations where multiple parties weaken or destabilize one another. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and finds frequent use in diverse contexts, including news and media, academic writing, and scientific reports. Related phrases include "weaken each other" and "sabotage one another", each offering a slightly different nuance. When using the phrase, it is important to ensure that the context clearly indicates a reciprocal action, where both parties are involved in the undermining process. Therefore, be aware of one-sided undermining.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

weaken each other

Focuses on the reduction of strength or effectiveness, highlighting the diminishing impact each party has on the other.

sabotage one another

Implies a deliberate act of hindering or disrupting each other's efforts, suggesting a more intentional and malicious approach.

hinder each other

Stresses the act of creating difficulties or obstacles for each other, suggesting a more passive form of obstruction.

impede each other

Highlights the obstruction or slowing down of progress, emphasizing the hindering aspect of their interactions.

subvert each other

Suggests an attempt to overthrow or destabilize each other's positions or authority, implying a more aggressive and undermining tactic.

damage each other

Focuses on the harm or injury caused by their actions, emphasizing the negative consequences of their interactions.

counteract each other

Emphasizes the action of neutralizing or opposing each other's effects, focusing on the offsetting of actions.

work at cross-purposes

Highlights the lack of coordination and alignment in their efforts, resulting in actions that negate or diminish each other's impact.

discredit one another

Emphasizes actions taken to harm the reputation or believability of each other.

thwart each other

Implies actively preventing each other from achieving their goals or intentions, suggesting a more direct and forceful opposition.

FAQs

How can I use "undermine each other" in a sentence?

You can use "undermine each other" to describe situations where two or more entities are weakening each other, for example: "The constant arguments between them began to undermine each other's confidence."

What is a good alternative to "undermine each other"?

Alternatives to "undermine each other" include "weaken each other", "sabotage one another", or "hinder each other", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "undermine one another" instead of "undermine each other"?

Yes, both "undermine each other" and "undermine one another" are grammatically correct and have the same meaning. The choice between them is often a matter of style or preference.

What's the difference between "undermine each other" and "contradict each other"?

"Undermine each other" implies weakening or damaging each other's position or efforts, while "contradict each other" means expressing opposing views or statements. They are different actions, though contradiction can lead to undermining.