undermining the quality

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "undermining the quality" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing actions or factors that negatively affect the standard or excellence of something. Example: "The constant changes in management are undermining the quality of our customer service."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

The government is also undermining the quality of childcare.

The Guardian - Opinion

The public pays in other ways, too: turnover is high, undermining the quality of care and driving up overall costs.

The New York Times

"As technology develops we expect to locate more of our major event production (and staff) in the UK without undermining the quality of coverage.

The Guardian

"Many heritage professionals believe … large-scale cruise tourism is pushing Venice to an environmental tipping point and undermining the quality of life for its citizens," the fund's report said.

The Guardian - Opinion

Balls and Miliband believe that to do more would risk fatally undermining the quality of key public services; Osborne is more concerned about the risks to the public finances of their milder plan.

The Guardian

"It is devastating for all of us," said Ms. Ferguson, a special education teacher, who called the increased reliance on standardized testing an "unhealthy obsession" that was undermining the quality of teaching and was damaging students.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

"We need to strengthen, not undermine, the quality and professionalism of teaching.

The Guardian

Controlled assessment, which counted for 60% of English, undermined the quality of the qualification overall.

The Guardian

That isn't to undermine the quality of this morbid picture book turned disturbed nightmare.

The Guardian - Tech

It is also unwise, because poor pay for long hours leads to high turnover, which undermines the quality of care.

The New York Times

Currently we build each commission from the ground up, which delays the deployment of investigators and potentially undermines the quality of the results.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "undermining the quality", ensure that you clearly identify what is being undermined and the specific aspect of its quality that is being affected. For example, specify "undermining the quality of education" or "undermining the quality of patient care."

Common error

Avoid using "undermining the quality" in vague or general statements without specifying what is being undermined. Provide concrete examples or details to support your claim and make it more persuasive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "undermining the quality" functions as a gerund phrase typically used to describe an action that has a detrimental effect on a specific attribute or standard. This is shown through Ludwig, which presents numerous examples of this phrase being used to illustrate a negative impact.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

28%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

7%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "undermining the quality" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe actions that negatively impact the standards or effectiveness of something. As Ludwig AI suggests, it functions as a gerund phrase expressing concern or criticism. The phrase is found most frequently in news and scientific contexts, making it suitable for neutral and formal registers. When using this phrase, it's important to specify what is being undermined to maintain clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

jeopardizing the quality

Emphasizes the risk or potential harm to the quality, suggesting a more immediate danger than a gradual decline.

compromising the quality

Focuses on the act of conceding or making concessions that negatively affect the quality, implying a deliberate trade-off.

degrading the quality

Highlights the lowering or reduction of the quality to a less acceptable level, suggesting a decline in standards.

eroding the quality

Suggests a gradual and insidious deterioration of the quality, often over time.

weakening the quality

Indicates a reduction in the strength or effectiveness of the quality, implying a loss of robustness.

impairing the quality

Focuses on the damage or harm inflicted on the quality, suggesting a reduction in functionality or performance.

diminishing the quality

Highlights a reduction in the size, extent, or importance of the quality, indicating a lessening of value.

debasing the quality

Emphasizes a lowering of moral character or reduction in the intrinsic value of the quality, implying corruption.

spoiling the quality

Suggests that something is ruining the value or usefulness of quality.

corrupting the quality

Implies that something external is affecting the integrity or purity of something.

FAQs

How can you use "undermining the quality" in a sentence?

You can use "undermining the quality" to describe actions or factors that negatively affect the standard or excellence of something. For example: "The increased workload is "undermining the quality" of our services."

What are some alternatives to "undermining the quality"?

Alternatives include "compromising the quality", "degrading the quality", or "jeopardizing the quality", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "undermining the quality" or "harming the quality"?

While both are correct, "undermining the quality" suggests a gradual or subtle erosion, whereas "harming the quality" implies a more direct or immediate negative impact. The best choice depends on the specific context.

What does it mean to say something is "undermining the quality" of life?

Saying something is "undermining the quality" of life means it is negatively affecting aspects that make life enjoyable or fulfilling, such as health, safety, or access to resources. Other options could be "compromising the quality" or "degrading the quality".