work against (someone)

phrasal verb

worked against (someone); working against (someone); works against (someone)
: to contribute to a negative result for someone : make something less likely to happen for someone
Her lack of experience worked against her in the election.

Examples of work against (someone) in a Sentence

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But Cardinal Zuppi’s association with the Community of Sant’Egidio could work against him in the election for the next pope, according to Sandro Magister, a Vatican expert. Elisabetta Povoledo, New York Times, 2 May 2025 That means timeless elements fused with contemporary trends and tailored silhouettes that celebrate the female form rather than work against it. Naomi Rougeau, Robb Report, 25 Apr. 2025 In 109 innings of work against many Class 6A squads, Malone posted a 16-3 record and a 2.433 ERA. Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Apr. 2025 When someone underperforms, compare their work against the checklist. Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 3 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for work against (someone)

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Cite this Entry

“Work against (someone).” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/work%20against%20%28someone%29. Accessed 10 May. 2025.

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