undermining the goal

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "undermining the goal" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing actions or behaviors that weaken or threaten the achievement of a specific objective. Example: "His constant criticism of the project was undermining the goal of fostering teamwork and collaboration."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

And he accused the vice president of undermining the goal of universal health care -- a core Democratic principle, he said -- by relentlessly berating Mr. Bradley's own proposal to extend private health insurance to almost all Americans.

The New York Times

The new Title IX policies on sexual misconduct which were then sweeping campuses perpetuated "myths and fantasies about power," Kipnis wrote, which enlarged the invasive power of institutions while undermining the goal of educating students in critical thinking and resilience.

The New Yorker

In the proposed study, the reason not to match the intensity of treatment as usual is that this would deviate from current practice, therefore undermining the goal of the proposed study.

BMC Psychiatry

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

That is likely to drag yet more companies down, undermining the goals of shoring up the currency and increasing investor confidence.

The Economist

Personhood for animals is part of the animal rights movement, but I worry that it is undermining the goals of animal welfare because the legal terminology can be confusing.

The New York Times

They think Newsome's actions were self-serving, giving him a bigger personal platform, while undermining the goals of the Black Lives Matter movement by helping legitimize the Trump supporters who oppose it.

Vice

Systemic weaknesses in countries' national and subnational coordination structures were undermining the goals of the GHIs.

Globalization and Health

"To the contrary; the stereotypes at their core undermine the goal of school anti-discrimination laws".

The New York Times

But what is surprising is that mortgage bankers are leaning on the same tired argument — that saner lending requirements will undermine the goal of expanding homeownership.

The New York Times

Using the reserve now would be premature, reduce our national security options and perhaps even undermine the goal of calming oil markets.

The New York Times

Lawmakers and administration officials need to get behind the effort, helping to rebut and marginalize diatribes that undermine the goal — mandated in the Constitution — of counting everyone.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "undermining the goal", ensure the context clearly identifies what actions are causing the goal to be weakened or compromised. Provide specific examples to strengthen your argument.

Common error

Avoid using "undermining the goal" as a generic criticism. Instead, specify how the goal is being undermined and what specific consequences might arise from these actions. For example, instead of "The new policy is undermining the goal", specify "The new policy, by increasing bureaucracy, is undermining the goal of efficient service delivery."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "undermining the goal" functions as a verb phrase acting upon a noun phrase. Ludwig shows that it's used to describe actions that weaken or compromise a specific objective. As Ludwig AI confirm, the phrase follows standard grammar rules and is widely used.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

33%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "undermining the goal" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that describes actions or behaviors weakening a specific objective. Ludwig examples show that it appears across various contexts such as News & Media and Science. The phrase is generally neutral but leans towards professional, suitable for formal reports and analytical discussions. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase follows standard grammar rules, so you can confidently use this phrase in your writing. Remember to provide context and specifics when using this phrase to strengthen your argument.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

weakening the objective

Focuses on reducing the strength or effectiveness of the objective, rather than directly preventing its attainment.

hindering the objective

Replaces "undermining" with "hindering", indicating a slowing down or obstruction of progress.

detracting from the aim

Focuses on diverting attention or resources away from the aim, thus reducing its chances of success.

obstructing the aim

Substitutes "goal" with "aim" and "undermining" with "obstructing", suggesting a more direct blockage.

compromising the goal

Indicates that the goal is being endangered or put at risk, possibly through concessions or errors.

sabotaging the objective

Uses a stronger verb, "sabotaging", suggesting a more deliberate and destructive action.

subverting the objective

Signifies an attempt to overthrow or corrupt the objective, often in a secret or underhanded way.

jeopardizing the aim

Suggests that the aim is being put in danger of failing, highlighting the potential negative consequences.

thwarting the purpose

Replaces "goal" with "purpose" and "undermining" with "thwarting", conveying a sense of actively preventing success.

counteracting the purpose

Implies that actions are being taken which have an opposing effect to the intended purpose.

FAQs

How can I use "undermining the goal" in a sentence?

You can use "undermining the goal" to describe actions or decisions that weaken or compromise a specific objective. For example: "His constant criticism was undermining the goal of team cohesion."

What are some alternatives to "undermining the goal"?

Alternatives include "sabotaging the objective", "hindering the objective", or "compromising the goal", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "undermining the goal" or "undermining the goals"?

Both are grammatically correct, but their usage depends on the context. "Undermining the goal" refers to a single, specific objective, while "undermining the goals" refers to multiple objectives.

How does "undermining the goal" differ from "obstructing the goal"?

"Undermining the goal" suggests a gradual weakening or erosion of the objective, while "obstructing the aim" implies a more direct and forceful blockage or hindrance.