undermine expectations

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "undermine expectations" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing how actions or events can negatively affect or weaken what people anticipate or hope for. Example: "The sudden change in leadership may undermine expectations for the project's success."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

"They undermine expectations that have built up over years and years of use".

The New York Times

"But it has helped to undermine expectations about the future".

BBC

The attempts to upend the contract and rewrite the law create uncertainty for private enterprises that have operated inside and next door to national parks for generations -- and undermine expectations of taxpayers who foot the bill for creating and now protecting this national seashore.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

She has refused to admit that caring about fashion is irreconcilable with caring about, say, nuclear policy, and in doing so she is setting a precedent that allows women to use clothes to express a facet of their persona that may otherwise be denied, without it undermining expectations.

The New York Times

We suggest that a relatively strong belief in self-interest serves to fill in the blanks when information is incomplete, which undermines expectations of other's cooperation as well as one's own cooperative behavior.

Acta Psychologica

"We try very hard to undermine those expectations whenever possible.

Forbes

That belief that outside factors have marred the perfect operation of the market machine has been buttressed by some adherents of behavioral economics (which ironically helped undermine rational expectations in the first place) who replace predetermined market relations with predetermined psychological factors.

Huffington Post

For these caregivers the care-receiver's illness and his/her behaviour constantly undermine their expectations about "mutuality" in their relationship and in the relationship with significant others.

BMC Psychiatry

Such biases create inequality by causing people to expect greater competence from men than from women, and thus to expect greater rewards to go to men rather to women who are otherwise their equals, biases also lead men, on average, to pay less attention to information that undermines expectations based on gender (Bombuwela and De Alwis 2013; Schwanke 2013; Ghaus 2013).

Asian Journal of German and European Studies

And if the purpose in gathering the information is to monitor crowds for potential criminal activity, that would also undermine an expectation of privacy".

Vice

While the paintings frustrate, complicate and undermine pictorial expectation, they also bring deep satisfaction in reflections, openings and bursts of revelation.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "undermine expectations", ensure the context clearly indicates what actions or events are causing the weakening of expectations. Be specific about the source of the undermining influence.

Common error

Avoid using "undermine expectations" in vague situations. Always clarify how and why the expectations are being undermined to maintain clarity and impact in your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "undermine expectations" functions as a verb phrase where the verb 'undermine' modifies the noun 'expectations'. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct. It suggests an action that weakens or diminishes previously held beliefs or anticipations. Examples show its use in both news and scientific contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "undermine expectations" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression that conveys the weakening of anticipated outcomes. According to Ludwig AI, its usage is correct and appropriate in written English. It is frequently found in news, media, and scientific contexts, suggesting a neutral to formal register. To ensure clarity, it's crucial to provide specific context regarding what's causing the undermining effect. Alternatives such as "disrupt expectations" or "erode expectations" can be used depending on the desired nuance. Understanding the contexts and implications of this phrase is essential for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

disrupt expectations

Focuses on interrupting or disturbing expectations rather than gradually weakening them.

erode expectations

Implies a gradual wearing away of expectations over time.

weaken expectations

Directly indicates a reduction in the strength or intensity of expectations.

lower expectations

Suggests a deliberate adjustment to anticipate less favorable outcomes.

deflate expectations

Highlights a sudden reduction in inflated or unrealistic expectations.

shatter expectations

Emphasizes a complete destruction of what was anticipated.

contradict expectations

Focuses on directly opposing or conflicting with what is expected.

belie expectations

Suggests a hidden reality that contrasts with outward expectations.

challenge expectations

Implicates a questioning or testing of the validity of expectations.

subvert expectations

Implies an intentional reversal or disruption of anticipated outcomes.

FAQs

How can I use "undermine expectations" in a sentence?

You can use "undermine expectations" to describe situations where actions or events weaken anticipated outcomes. For instance, "The company's poor performance undermined investors' expectations for future growth."

What are some alternatives to "undermine expectations"?

Alternatives include "disrupt expectations", "erode expectations", or "weaken expectations", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "undermine expectations" or "lower expectations"?

"Undermine expectations" suggests a gradual weakening due to specific events, whereas "lower expectations" implies a conscious adjustment to anticipate less favorable outcomes. The choice depends on the context.

What does it mean when something "undermines expectations"?

When something "undermines expectations", it means that it weakens or diminishes the anticipation or hope that people have regarding a particular outcome. This can lead to disappointment or a reassessment of future prospects.