undermine integrity

USAGE SUMMARY

"undermine integrity" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to describe a situation in which something or someone is causing harm to a person's moral or ethical standards. For example: "The scandal threatened to undermine the mayor's integrity."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

On the other side, a different set of characteristics undermine integrity.

SEP

Some people will be more prone to a certain set of practices or character traits that undermine integrity than others.

SEP

A second possible line of response to the argument is to deny the presupposition of Williams's argument that it is absurd for a moral theory to undermine integrity.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Another important feature of ALI is the undermined integrity and function of the pulmonary endothelial-epithelial barrier.

BioMed Research International

One challenge will be to ensure that stronger euro area integration does not undermine the integrity of the EU.

European Parliament

Judges have the duty and responsibility to protect the integrity of the courts, and sham lawsuits seriously undermine that integrity.

Forbes

The second option would undermine the integrity of the House of Commons.

The Economist

"Those flaws undermine the integrity of the bankruptcy system.

The New York Times

The development of cracks can however, undermine the integrity of such facility.

Construction and Building Materials

"Such assumptions are inhuman and undermine our integrity as people who have a country of origin".

Independent

David Cameron should take care not to undermine the integrity of the system".

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "undermine integrity" to specifically denote actions or situations that weaken or damage the moral principles or honesty of an entity, rather than simply causing harm or damage.

Common error

Avoid using "undermine integrity" when the intended meaning is simply to damage or weaken something physically or superficially. Ensure the context involves a deterioration of ethical or moral standing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "undermine integrity" functions as a verb phrase + noun construction. According to Ludwig, it describes a situation where something weakens or damages the moral and ethical principles of a person, institution, or system.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

33%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "undermine integrity" is a grammatically correct and usable expression that describes the weakening or damaging of moral principles or honesty. According to Ludwig, the phrase effectively portrays the erosion of ethical foundations and is frequently used to express concern or criticism. Its neutral register makes it appropriate for a variety of contexts, including news, academic discussions, and formal business settings. While there are numerous semantically related phrases, such as "erode principles" and "damage reputation", "undermine integrity" specifically focuses on the deterioration of ethical or moral standing. Be careful not to use it when referring to simple physical damage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

erode principles

Focuses on the gradual destruction of a person's core beliefs.

weaken moral fiber

Emphasizes the weakening of someone's ethical strength or character.

damage reputation

Highlights the harm done to someone's public image or standing.

compromise ethics

Indicates a situation where ethical standards are lowered or violated.

corrupt values

Focuses on the act of spoiling or ruining someone's moral compass.

taint honor

Highlights staining or polluting someone's good name or reputation.

debase character

Suggests a lowering or degrading of someone's moral qualities.

subvert morality

Focuses on the act of overturning or weakening moral principles.

attack rectitude

Emphasizes an assault on someone's moral uprightness or righteousness.

sap probity

Highlights the gradual weakening or depletion of someone's honesty and integrity.

FAQs

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

Use "undermine integrity" to describe actions that weaken or erode the moral principles or honesty of something. For example, "The scandal threatened to "undermine integrity" of the political system."

What are some alternatives to the phrase "undermine integrity"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "erode principles", "damage reputation", or "compromise ethics".

Is it appropriate to use "undermine integrity" in formal writing?

Yes, "undermine integrity" is suitable for formal writing. It is a clear and professional way to describe the erosion of moral principles. It's frequently seen in news, academic writing and formal business contexts.

What's the difference between "undermine integrity" and "damage reputation"?

"Undermine integrity" refers specifically to weakening the moral or ethical foundation of something, while "damage reputation" refers to harming the public image or standing of something. You can damage a reputation without necessarily undermining integrity, and vice versa.