work against

USAGE SUMMARY

"work against" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to say that someone or something is making it difficult to accomplish a goal. For example: "The tight deadlines we were given worked against our efforts to finish the project on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Incumbency and demographics work against Ms. Halvorson.

The New York Times

"There is racism at work against him.

The New York Times

But techno-fixes work against everyone.

The Economist

But his affiliation can work against him.

The New Yorker

Sometimes that can work against you.

The New York Times - Sports

They have no comparison to work against".

The New Yorker

Will oncolytic viruses work against all cancers?

Independent

That won't work against live pitching".

The New York Times - Sports

(Antibiotics do not work against viruses).

The New York Times - Magazine

Work against the grain.

The Guardian - Books

Events could work against Iowa.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "work against" to clearly indicate that something is actively hindering or undermining progress towards a specific goal. Ensure the subject and object are clearly defined for maximum clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "work against" when the intention is simply to describe a neutral opposition or difference. The phrase implies an active force that is hindering progress, not just a passive incompatibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "work against" primarily functions as a verb phrase that indicates opposition or hindrance. It suggests that something is actively making it more difficult to achieve a particular goal. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through numerous examples where "work against" demonstrates a force that impedes progress.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Science

25%

Wiki

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

4%

Academia

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "work against" is a versatile phrase used to express that something is actively hindering progress. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent use across various contexts. It is important to use this phrase when you want to indicate a specific factor is detrimental to achieving a desired outcome. While primarily neutral in register, its versatility makes it suitable for a wide range of writing styles. By understanding its nuances and appropriate usage, you can effectively communicate potential challenges and obstacles.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

go against

A more direct and simple way of saying something opposes something else.

counteract

Implies directly opposing and reducing the effect of something.

hinder

Suggests impeding or obstructing progress.

obstruct

Indicates blocking or preventing something from happening.

undermine

Implies gradually weakening or damaging something.

sabotage

Suggests deliberately destroying or damaging something.

impede

Similar to hinder, but can imply a more significant delay or obstruction.

militate against

A more formal way of saying something counts against a particular outcome.

conflict with

Suggests a clash or incompatibility between two things.

act in opposition to

A formal alternative, emphasizing the act of opposing.

FAQs

How can I use "work against" in a sentence?

Use "work against" to indicate that something is actively hindering progress or making it more difficult to achieve a goal. For example, "The lack of funding will "work against" the project's success".

What are some alternatives to "work against"?

You can use alternatives such as "counteract", "hinder", or "undermine" depending on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "work against" or "go against"?

"Work against" implies a more active and hindering force, while "go against" simply suggests opposition or disagreement. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize the hindering aspect or just the opposing aspect.

Can "work against" be used in a positive way?

No, ""work against"" typically carries a negative connotation, indicating that something is making it harder to achieve a desired outcome. To express support or assistance, use phrases like "work with" or "support".