undermine performance

USAGE SUMMARY

"undermine performance" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is usually used to describe the idea that something is making a person's performance less successful than it could be. For example: "The excessive workload began to undermine performance in the workplace".

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

advantage hold up, or would the stress undermine performance?

The New York Times - Magazine

Prior research has shown that social identity threats can undermine performance, cognitive flexibility and willpower, he noted.

Stanford University

These findings echo other research that shows how a preoccupation with how one is perceived can undermine performance.

University of California, Berkeley

Stereotype threat is pervasive and real, and we now have solid evidence that the physiological arousal stemming from stereotype threat can undermine performance.

University of California, Berkeley

The result, Dr. Krahenbuhl said, is that "changes that facilitate performance for one event may actually undermine performance in another event".

The New York Times - Health

If a prosecutor had only a qualified immunity, the threat of § 1983 suits would undermine performance of his duties no less than would the threat of common-law suits for malicious prosecution.

Cornell University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

Redundant visual cues, when paired with auditory cues, undermined performance rather than enhanced it.

Applied Ergonomics

One Oregon study found that students working in three different temperature settings had strikingly different results on exams, suggesting that sweating a test actually undermines performance.

The New York Times

The result is increasing stress and errors, undermining performance.

BBC

In contrast, in the maths tests, the larger payments undermined performance, with recipients earning only 43% of their maximum potential earnings, compared to 63% when offered lower financial rewards.

BBC

At a certain point, detachment becomes depersonalization, undermining performance and triggering emotional strain.

BMC Public Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing factors that negatively influence outcomes, use "undermine performance" to clearly convey a sense of gradual weakening or erosion of effectiveness, rather than a complete halt or immediate failure.

Common error

Avoid using "undermine performance" when describing sudden or complete failures. This phrase implies a gradual weakening, so use words like "halt" or "ruin" when referring to instant or total disruptions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "undermine performance" acts as a verb phrase where "undermine" (verb) describes the action of weakening or diminishing the noun "performance". Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage, showcasing examples across various domains.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Academia

30%

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "undermine performance" is a frequently used phrase to express the idea of gradually weakening or diminishing the effectiveness of something, as supported by Ludwig AI. It is grammatically sound and finds relevance across diverse fields, notably in academia, news, media, and science. While the phrase is suitable in many contexts, it's important to note that this phrase isn't suitable to describe abrupt failures.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

impair effectiveness

Focuses on diminishing the power to produce a desired effect.

hinder progress

Emphasizes impeding forward movement or advancement.

hamper productivity

Highlights the reduction in output or efficiency.

disrupt functionality

Draws attention to interrupting the normal operation or capability.

erode ability

Implies a gradual wearing away of skill or competence.

weaken competence

Indicates a reduction in the quality of being adequately qualified.

compromise efficiency

Suggets making efficiency vulnerable or placing it at risk.

sabotage execution

Points to deliberately obstructing or damaging the carrying out of a plan.

stifle potential

Conveys the suppression or restraint of inherent abilities.

degrade capability

Highlights a decline in the power or capacity to do something.

FAQs

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

You can use "undermine performance" to describe factors that gradually weaken or diminish effectiveness. For example: "High stress levels can "undermine performance" on complex tasks".

What are some alternatives to "undermine performance"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "impair effectiveness", "hinder progress", or "hamper productivity".

Is it better to say "undermine performance" or "improve performance"?

The choice depends on the context. "Undermine performance" describes a negative impact, while "improve performance" describes a positive one. Choose the phrase that accurately reflects the direction of the effect you are describing.

What's the difference between "undermine performance" and "disrupt performance"?

"Undermine performance" implies a gradual weakening, while "disrupt performance" suggests a more sudden or forceful interruption. The best choice depends on whether the impact is gradual or abrupt.