undermine our efforts

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "undermine our efforts" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing actions or situations that weaken or damage the progress or success of a particular initiative or goal. Example: "If we don't address the communication issues, they will continue to undermine our efforts to improve team collaboration."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

It allows vacuums to be filled by bad actors who want to undermine our efforts".

The Guardian

A growing skills crisis in the construction industry threatens to undermine our efforts to build desperately needed homes.

The Guardian

He added that, uncontrolled, it could "unintentionally fuel corruption, finance insurgent networks, strengthen criminal patronage networks, and undermine our efforts in Afghanistan".

The New Yorker

"We now know that other shadowy forces were also trying to undermine our efforts in the most disgusting, but ultimately futile ways.

The Guardian

If, however, we spend large quantities of international contracting funds quickly and with insufficient oversight it can fuel corruption, finance insurgent operations, strengthen criminal patronage networks and undermine our efforts in Afghanistan".

The New York Times

"This is the right time for change and reform, despite all the attempts to undermine our efforts," Mr. Arafat said in a speech here to the Palestinian Legislative Council.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

Then she delivered a polite rebuke to Lieberman, saying that she rejected the idea put forward by her "friends on the panel who think that statements of disapproval are somehow going to undermine our effort, when I think they will send the clearest message".

The New Yorker

I think that is what undermines our efforts at development.

The Guardian

Many realize that population growth undermines our efforts to conserve resources.

The New York Times

It undermines our efforts to help people make sense of stories about food.

The Guardian

By assassinating Hamas leaders and threatening to do the same to Yasir Arafat, Mr. Sharon is undermining our efforts in Iraq.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "undermine our efforts", clearly identify the specific actions or factors that are causing the undermining effect to provide context and encourage solutions.

Common error

Avoid using passive voice when describing how efforts are being undermined. Instead of saying "our efforts are being undermined", specify who or what is doing the undermining, creating stronger and more direct sentences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "undermine our efforts" functions as a verb phrase where "undermine" is the verb and "our efforts" serves as the object. It describes an action that weakens or diminishes the effectiveness of a particular endeavor. Ludwig's examples illustrate its use in various contexts to convey the idea of hindering progress.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Formal & Business

18%

Science

18%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "undermine our efforts" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to describe actions or situations that weaken or hinder progress. Ludwig AI confirms its usability across various contexts, including news, business, and scientific domains. While alternatives like "sabotage our initiatives" or "weaken our endeavors" exist, the choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey. When using this phrase, clarity is key; clearly identify the undermining factors for maximum impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Undercut our plans

Similar to "undermine" but emphasizes weakening the foundation or support.

Weaken our endeavors

Focuses on reducing strength or effectiveness, less direct than "undermine".

Hinder our advancements

Focuses on making it difficult to move forward or improve.

Impede our progress

Highlights the slowing down or obstruction of advancement.

Sabotage our initiatives

Stronger connotation of deliberate obstruction, implying malicious intent.

Thwart our attempts

Emphasizes the prevention of success, suggesting a more forceful opposition.

Derail our strategies

Focuses on causing a project or plan to fail by departing from its intended course.

Compromise our aims

Indicates a partial failure or weakening of the desired outcomes.

Erode our achievements

Suggests a gradual wearing away or weakening of accomplishments.

Subvert our designs

Implies an attempt to overthrow or corrupt the original plan.

FAQs

How can I use "undermine our efforts" in a sentence?

Use "undermine our efforts" to describe actions or situations that weaken or damage progress toward a goal. For example: "If we don't address the communication issues, they will continue to "undermine our efforts" to improve team collaboration."

What are some alternatives to "undermine our efforts"?

You can use alternatives like "sabotage our initiatives", "weaken our endeavors", or "impede our progress" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to use "undermine our efforts" or "sabotage our efforts"?

"Undermine our efforts" suggests a weakening effect, while "sabotage our efforts" implies a deliberate and malicious act to destroy or prevent success. The choice depends on whether the action is intentional and destructive.

What does it mean to "undercut our plans"?

"Undercut our plans" is similar to ""undermine our efforts"" and it means to weaken the effectiveness or success of plans, often by offering something cheaper or of lower quality or by doing something that makes the plans less effective.