factiousness

factiousness

A small committee is torn apart by factiousness.

Definition
  1. Noun:
    • Tendency to form factions: "factiousness" refers to the quality or state of being inclined to create or promote dissension, conflict, or division within a group, organization, or society.
Usage Examples
  • (The tendency to form opposing groups caused internal conflict.)
  • (Her divisive behaviour prevented cooperation.)
  • (The group suffered from ongoing internal disputes.)
Advanced Usage
  • "to breed factiousness": to cause or encourage division and conflict.
    • The leader's favouritism bred factiousness among the employees. (His bias created disunity.)
  • "factiousness in the ranks": internal dissent or rebellion within a military or organized group.
    • Factiousness in the ranks weakened the army's ability to fight effectively. (Internal divisions reduced military strength.)
Variants and Related Words
  • Factious (adj): inclined to form factions; causing dissension.
    • The factious debate split the community into two hostile camps. (The argument created opposing groups.)
  • Faction (n): a small, dissenting group within a larger one, especially in politics.
    • A radical faction broke away from the main party. (A subgroup separated due to disagreement.)
  • Factional (adj): relating to or characteristic of a faction.
    • Factional disputes delayed the passage of the law. (Disagreements between groups caused delays.)
Synonyms
  • Discord: lack of agreement or harmony; conflict.
  • Dissension: disagreement that leads to strife or division.
  • Sectarianism: excessive attachment to a particular sect or party, often leading to conflict.
  • Rancor: bitter, long-lasting resentment or ill will.
Phrasal Verbs
  • (No direct phrasal verbs; "factiousness" is a noun and does not combine with verbs in a phrasal sense. However, it is often used with verbs like "cause," "promote," or "create": )
Related Idioms
  • Divide and conquer: a strategy of causing division among opponents to weaken them.
    • The ruler used factiousness to divide and conquer his rivals. (He encouraged internal conflict to maintain power.)
  • A house divided against itself: a group or organization weakened by internal conflict.
    • The company, a house divided against itself, could not survive the market downturn. (Internal factiousness led to failure.)