ill service
Definition
Noun: - A harmful or unhelpful action, especially one done with the intention of helping: An act that is meant to be beneficial but instead results in a negative outcome or harm.
Usage
- This noun is used to describe an action that backfires or fails to help, often causing more problems than it solves. It is typically used in the context of someone trying to assist but inadvertently causing damage or inconvenience.
- Common structures: "do someone an ill service," "perform an ill service," "that was an ill service."
Examples
Advanced Usage
- The phrase is often used in formal or critical writing to highlight the unintended negative consequences of an intervention.
- It can be used to critique policies, advice, or actions where the outcome is contrary to the stated good intention.
Variants and Related Words
- Disservice (noun): A harmful action; an unjust or injurious act. This is a direct synonym and the more common term in modern usage.
- He did them a great disservice with his careless remarks.
Synonyms
- Harm: Physical or mental damage.
- Injury: An act that causes damage or harm.
- Wrong: An unjust, dishonest, or immoral action.
Related Phrases
- To do more harm than good: To have a net negative effect despite positive intentions.
- The medication did more harm than good.
- A backfire: A plan or action that has the opposite effect to what was intended.
- His attempt to be funny backfired completely.
Noun
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an act intended to help that turns out badly
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he did them a disservice
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