undermine the object

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "undermine the object" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you want to express the idea of weakening or damaging the integrity or effectiveness of a specific object or goal. Example: "The constant criticism from the team members began to undermine the object of our project, which was to foster collaboration."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

But it will also undermine the object of the bill.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

"Public inquiries are set up to deal with public disquiet, to establish facts and to learn lessons and not to publish is to undermine the whole object.

BBC

The problem with further embrace of the market model is that it undermines both the object of widening opportunity and the opportunity itself - by forcing students into debt so that more work near full-time hours alongside their studies, fewer can afford to live away from home, and more suffer stress and mental illness.

The Guardian - Opinion

Or, on contrary, is identity diffusion a manifestation of unstable relationships, and consequently, of unstable inner representations of self- and object relations, which undermine the sense of self-sameness, which BPD patients suffer from?

Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Mental Health

Further, Berkeley uses the example of microscopes to undermine the prima facie plausible thought that the true visual qualities of objects are revealed by close examination.

SEP

Republicans block Obama nominees "not because they object to the qualifications, but because the they seek to undermine the very government they were elected to serve", Reid said.

The Guardian

But perhaps it would undermine the Unitarian reading of the Theaetetus if the Forms were present in the Digression in the role of paradigm objects of knowledge.

SEP

— undermine the message.

The New York Times - Books

A shock could undermine the economy.

The New York Times

Critics want to undermine the sector.

The New York Times

He added, "To undermine the BBC World Service is to undermine truth".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "undermine the object", ensure that the context clearly defines what the 'object' is. Be specific about the goal or item being weakened to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "undermine the object" when a stronger verb like 'destroy' or 'eliminate' is more appropriate. "Undermine" implies a gradual weakening, not complete annihilation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "undermine the object" functions as a verb phrase with a direct object. The verb "undermine" describes the action of weakening something, and "the object" specifies what is being weakened. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

31%

Encyclopedias

13%

Less common in

Wiki

13%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "undermine the object" is a phrase used to express the weakening of a goal or purpose. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and appears in diverse sources like news media, scientific publications, and encyclopedias. While not as common as related phrases like "weaken the goal", it provides a specific nuance of gradual erosion rather than immediate destruction. When using this phrase, clarity is key; ensure the 'object' is well-defined in your context to avoid ambiguity. Be mindful of contexts where a more forceful verb might be more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

undermine the intent

Focuses on overturning or corrupting the initial intention of something.

weaken the goal

Replaces "undermine" with a more direct synonym, focusing on the weakening of the target.

sabotage the aim

Suggests a more deliberate and destructive action against the objective.

compromise the purpose

Implies that the object or goal is negatively affected, but not necessarily destroyed.

invalidate the objective

Indicates that the objective becomes no longer valid or achievable.

erode the foundation

Focuses on gradually weakening the basis or support of something.

subvert the intention

Highlights the act of overturning or corrupting the original intent.

detract from the value

Emphasizes the reduction in worth or importance of something.

weaken the effect

Centers on diminishing the impact or consequence of the object.

diminish the significance

Focuses on reducing the importance or prominence of something.

FAQs

What does "undermine the object" mean?

The phrase "undermine the object" means to weaken or damage the effectiveness, importance, or integrity of a specific goal, purpose, or item. It suggests a gradual erosion rather than an immediate destruction.

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

You might say, "The constant criticism from team members began to "undermine the object" of our project, which was to foster collaboration."

What can I say instead of "undermine the object"?

You can use alternatives like "weaken the goal", "sabotage the aim", or "compromise the purpose" depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "undermine the object" and "undermine the objective"?

While both are similar, "undermine the object" refers to weakening a physical item or concrete goal, while "undermine the objective" typically refers to weakening a specific aim or purpose.