undermining factor

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "undermining factor" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an element or condition that weakens or diminishes the effectiveness of something. Example: "The lack of communication was a significant undermining factor in the project's success."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

There's one more undermining factor, not often mentioned: it was after 1945 that more Americans began to live in the west.

The Guardian - Film

At both ends of the telescope – from the cold economics of the Premier League brand to the intangible warm glow of winning British medals – the forces unleashed by Brexit feel like an undermining factor.

The Guardian - Opinion

Whether its poor health status favored the wide dissemination of lobomycosis-like disease or whether lobomycosis-like disease was the primary undermining factor remains unknown.

Emerging Infectious Diseases

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

The findings of this study suggest that austerity measures most pernicious effects seem to stem from their interactions with other care-undermining factors.

BMC Health Services Research

Another factor undermining the card companies is the rise of debt settlement firms.

The New York Times

One big factor undermining home sales is fear of a large number of foreclosed homes coming to the market.

The New York Times

However, the IMF's chief economist, Olivier Blanchard, warned that income inequality was hurting many countries and becoming an important factor undermining the prospect for sustainable global growth.

The Guardian - Business

Trump's ruse is that somehow the United States is not engaged militarily in the fight against ISIS, or that "political correctness" is the chief factor undermining American security.

The New Yorker

Blanchard, also said income inequality was hurting many countries and becoming an important factor undermining the prospect for sustainable global growth.

The Guardian - Business

A crucial factor undermining stability is a decades-long land grab, with millions of Chinese farmers losing their land to the state, he said.

The New York Times

Given what we know about the trend among the self-employed and the importance to the jobs figures since 2008, that is a huge omission and another factor undermining his grandiose claims.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "undermining factor", clearly identify what is being undermined and how the factor contributes to this weakening. Be specific about the causal relationship.

Common error

Avoid using "undermining factor" in casual conversation or informal writing. Opt for simpler alternatives like "problem" or "issue" for better clarity and tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "undermining factor" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as a subject complement or an object. It identifies a specific element that weakens or diminishes something. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

33%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "undermining factor" is a grammatically sound noun phrase used to describe an element that weakens or diminishes something. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is usable in written English. While relatively rare in occurrence, it is found in diverse contexts such as news, science, and business. Related phrases include "detrimental influence" and "weakening influence". When using this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying what is being undermined and how the factor contributes to the weakening. Although precise, remember to consider your audience and the overall formality of the piece.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

detrimental influence

Focuses on the harmful or damaging effect, rather than the act of weakening.

weakening influence

Highlights the gradual reduction of strength or effectiveness.

debilitating element

Emphasizes the weakening or enervating nature of the factor.

hindering aspect

Stresses the obstruction or impediment caused by the factor.

impeding element

Highlights the factor's role in slowing down or preventing progress.

disruptive force

Focuses on the factor's capacity to interrupt or disturb a process.

corrosive effect

Emphasizes the gradual and destructive impact of the factor.

destabilizing influence

Highlights the factor's contribution to instability or imbalance.

negative impact

Broadly refers to the adverse effect caused by the factor.

adverse condition

Emphasizes the unfavorable or harmful nature of the situation.

FAQs

How can I use "undermining factor" in a sentence?

Use "undermining factor" to describe something that weakens or diminishes the effectiveness of something else. For example: "Lack of communication was a significant "undermining factor" in the project's failure."

What are some alternatives to "undermining factor"?

You can use alternatives like "detrimental influence", "weakening influence", or "hindering aspect" depending on the specific context.

Is "undermining factor" formal or informal?

"Undermining factor" is generally considered a neutral to formal expression, suitable for professional, academic, or journalistic contexts. Simpler terms might be preferable in casual settings.

What's the difference between "undermining factor" and "contributing factor"?

"Undermining factor" specifically refers to something that weakens or diminishes, while "contributing factor" is a more neutral term that simply means something that plays a part in a particular outcome, without necessarily weakening anything.