work against
phrasal verb·1 sense·particle against
Meanings
Make success less likely
Why “against”? An action or choice moves in the opposite direction from a rule, idea, plan, or goal.
“Poor communication worked against the team.”
“The strong wind worked against the runners.”
Test yourself
“Poor communication worked against the team.” What does it mean?
Nearby in the meaning map
Sink In connects verbs by particle pattern, contrast pairs, and shared base verbs.
go against
Same against pattern: opposition
Not follow or match a rule, belief, advice, or wish
work around
Same base verb: work
Find a way past an obstacle
work at
Same base verb: work
Make steady effort on a task or skill
work away
Same base verb: work
Keep working steadily for a long time
work for
Same base verb: work
Be employed by a person or organisation
work off
Same base verb: work
Use energy or lose weight through physical activity
work on
Same base verb: work
Spend time and effort improving or making something
work out
Same base verb: work
Solve a problem or calculate an answer; Exercise to improve fitness; End in a particular way, often successfully; Plan or develop something carefully in detail; Have a final cost or amount; Understand someone's motives or character
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