undermine the efficiency

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "undermine the efficiency" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing actions or factors that negatively impact the effectiveness or productivity of a process, system, or organization. Example: "The recent changes in management policies may undermine the efficiency of our operations."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

Finance professors have told me that insider trading rules and financial disclosure requirements simply undermine the efficiency of the markets.

The New York Times

"Individuals who lie to federal agents interfere with the government's ability to investigate criminal conduct and undermine the efficiency of government investigations".

The New York Times - Sports

Opponents argue this may undermine the efficiency of ecosystem service provision and poverty reduction should be addressed with separate policies.

Forest Policy and Economics

Comparison between intact-strengthened and corrosion-damaged and repaired beams revealed that corrosion cracking tended to significantly undermine the efficiency of present anchorage in improving mechanical response of repaired beams.

Construction and Building Materials

The physical properties and fouling nature of heavy oil undermine the efficiency of any desulfurization strategy that depends on a solid absorbent or catalyst to perform primary desulfurization of the feed.

Applied Petrochemical Research

The following specific observations were made based on a review of desulfurization literature and the applicability of different desulfurization strategies for heavy oil: (a) The fouling nature, high viscosity, and bulkiness of the molecules in heavy oil undermine the efficiency of processes that require a solid material, as catalyst or adsorbent.

Applied Petrochemical Research

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

The existence of supply demand gaps in graduate output not only contributes to the problem of graduate unemployment but also undermines the efficiency of public investment in tertiary education, and therefore the issue needs to be addressed.

Journal of Global Entrepreneurship Research

The existence of supply demand gaps in graduate output not only contributes to the problem of graduate unemployment but also undermines the efficiency of public investment in tertiary education, and therefore the issue needs to be addressed (Boateng and Ofori,2002).

Journal of Global Entrepreneurship Research

Alternatively, when carcasses are common, being relatively inefficient at searching matters less, which also undermines the efficiency cost of searching as a pair.

Plosone

This undermined the efficiency benefit of the CDU.

BMC Health Services Research

However, there are various challenges undermining the efficiency of the scheme that need to be addressed.

BMC Health Services Research

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In formal writing, ensure the subject performing the action is clearly defined. For example, instead of stating 'Efficiency was undermined', specify 'The policy undermined the efficiency'.

Common error

While "undermine the efficiency" is grammatically correct, it can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Consider using simpler terms like 'hurt' or 'reduce' when speaking informally.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "undermine the efficiency" functions as a verb phrase where "undermine" acts as a transitive verb, taking "the efficiency" as its direct object. Ludwig examples show it's used to describe actions that weaken or impair effectiveness.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

42%

News & Media

33%

Formal & Business

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "undermine the efficiency" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to describe actions or factors that negatively impact the effectiveness or productivity of something. As confirmed by Ludwig, it appears frequently in science, news, and formal business contexts, indicating a neutral to formal register. When writing, be precise about what is undermining the efficiency and consider the specific mechanisms causing the reduced effectiveness. While acceptable across various domains, simpler terms might be more appropriate for casual conversation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Compromise the efficiency

Emphasizes a reduction in effectiveness due to some form of agreement or concession.

Impede the efficiency

Focuses on something actively hindering or obstructing the efficiency.

Weaken the efficiency

Highlights a reduction in the strength or effectiveness of something.

Disrupt the efficiency

Focuses on the interruption or disturbance of the efficiency.

Hinder the efficiency

Similar to 'impede' but suggests a more general obstruction.

Sabotage the efficiency

Implies intentional action to destroy or damage the efficiency.

Erode the efficiency

Suggests a gradual decline in efficiency over time.

Diminish the efficiency

Highlights a reduction in the degree or amount of efficiency.

Reduce the efficiency

Simply indicates a decrease in efficiency without specifying the cause.

Impair the efficiency

Focuses on damage or weakening of the efficiency.

FAQs

How can I use "undermine the efficiency" in a sentence?

You can use "undermine the efficiency" to describe actions or conditions that reduce the effectiveness of something. For example: 'Bureaucratic processes can "undermine the efficiency" of project management'.

What are some alternatives to "undermine the efficiency"?

Alternatives include "impede the efficiency", "weaken the efficiency", or "disrupt the efficiency", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "undermine the efficiency" or "reduce the efficiency"?

"Undermine the efficiency" suggests a more subtle or indirect negative impact, while "reduce the efficiency" is a more direct and general statement of decreased effectiveness. The best choice depends on the specific context.

What's the difference between "undermine the efficiency" and "sabotage the efficiency"?

"Undermine the efficiency" indicates a weakening or impairment of effectiveness, while "sabotage the efficiency" implies a deliberate action taken to destroy or damage the effectiveness.