undermine the relationship

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "undermine the relationship" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when referring to a negative action or behavior that affects, harms, weakens, or deteriorates a relationship between two people or groups. Example: His constant criticism and jealous behavior began to undermine the relationship.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

Overgaard-Nielsen said the rises would undermine the relationship between dentists and their patients.

The Guardian

Blairites were deliberately leaking, Brown's circle argued, a 'cacophony of noise', according to one player, that was deliberately trying to undermine the relationship between the two men.

The Guardian

But he argued the administration was still wrong to believe that publicly airing concerns about human rights would somehow undermine the relationship between Washington and Beijing.

The New York Times

Avoiding such disagreements will be impossible, experts and officials in Geneva said, but ensuring that such differences do not fundamentally undermine the relationship is key to global stability in the decades ahead, they said.

The New York Times

Poor stock management can lead to a lack of trust: Poor stock management not only prevents the ill from receiving treatment, but it can undermine the relationship between health workers and the community.

The Guardian

Differences over Syria and a lack of agreement on missile defense, and reaction in America to Russia's domestic developments and the Kremlin's counter-reaction, threaten to undermine the relationship.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

Many on both sides wondered whether the attack would undermine the relationships built here between Jewish and Arab students, who share classrooms, dormitories and meals.

The New York Times

When parties enter into negotiations in bad faith, deliberately misrepresent their opponents' positions, and refuse to cooperate even on matters on which they could find agreement, they undermine the relationships of respect that are necessary to sustain any morally justifiable democracy under the modern conditions of deep and persistent disagreement.

Huffington Post

They critiqued the emphasis on human-rights, saying that it neglected these core material factors that increased vulnerability to HIV, and threatened to undermine the relationships most women relied on for basic necessities: "I do realize the effects of HIV.

BMC International Health and Human Rights

36 Furthermore, greater use of industry denormalisation programmes could increase the ambivalence some retailers already feel about selling tobacco, undermine the relationships tobacco companies have developed with retailers, and increase acceptance of policy measures.

BMJ Open

He added: "Anything that undermines the relationship between an MP and a constituent, anything that undermines the relationship between the citizen and the police and the security services obviously are serious.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "undermine the relationship", be specific about the actions or circumstances causing the damage to provide clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "undermine the relationship" when the situation only presents a minor inconvenience or disagreement. Reserve it for scenarios where there's genuine potential for significant damage or deterioration.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "undermine the relationship" functions as a verb phrase where 'undermine' acts as the main verb, indicating an action that weakens or damages the connection between two or more entities. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Science

32%

Formal & Business

11%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "undermine the relationship" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe actions that weaken a bond. Ludwig AI confirms this. Analysis of Ludwig's examples reveals it's frequently used in news, science, and business contexts, suggesting a neutral register. Related phrases like "jeopardize the relationship" and "erode the relationship" offer nuanced alternatives. When writing, it's crucial to be specific about the factors causing the damage and avoid using the phrase for minor issues. This ensures clarity and accurately reflects the severity of the situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

weaken the relationship

Directly indicates a reduction in the strength or intensity of the relationship.

erode the relationship

Highlights the gradual wearing away or deterioration of the relationship over time.

jeopardize the relationship

Emphasizes the risk or danger posed to the relationship's stability and future.

damage the relationship

Focuses on the harm caused to the relationship, implying a negative impact.

disrupt the relationship

Focuses on the interruption or disturbance of the relationship, rather than the gradual weakening.

strain the relationship

Suggests the imposition of stress or pressure on the relationship, potentially leading to tension.

destabilize the relationship

Emphasizes the introduction of instability or uncertainty into the relationship.

sour the relationship

Implies a turning of the relationship to become unpleasant or disagreeable.

sabotage the relationship

Suggests deliberate undermining or disruption of the relationship's progress or success.

destroy the relationship

Indicates complete termination or ruination of the relationship.

FAQs

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

You can use "undermine the relationship" to describe actions or situations that weaken or damage a connection. For example: "His constant criticism began to "undermine the relationship"."

What are some alternatives to "undermine the relationship"?

Alternatives include phrases like "jeopardize the relationship", "erode the relationship", or "damage the relationship" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

"Undermine the relationship" implies a gradual weakening or erosion, while "disrupt the relationship" suggests a more sudden or forceful interruption.

Is it appropriate to use "undermine the relationship" in formal writing?

Yes, "undermine the relationship" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. It's a relatively neutral phrase, making it appropriate for various writing styles.