What are the definitions of “count against”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Affect negatively, make less likely to succeed.
Not having a university degree will COUNT AGAINST her.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “count against”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb count against is to have a negative effect on someone or something, making it less likely to succeed or be chosen. For example, it can mean that a person's lack of experience or qualifications may hurt their chances of getting a job or being accepted into a program.
What are the different verb forms of “count against”?
| Root Verb | count against |
| Third Person Singular Present | counts against |
| Present Participle | counting against |
| Simple Past | counted against |
| Past Participle | counted against |
Example
His lack of experience might count against him in the job interview.
Example
Her poor attendance record counts against her when applying for a promotion.
Example
The team's previous losses are counting against them in the tournament.
Example
His criminal record counted against him when he applied for the job.
Example
The mistakes they made in the past have counted against them in the competition.
What kind of phrasal verb is “count against”?
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a transitive and intransitive verb? - A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.) - An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)
Transitive verb
“count against” is a transitive phrasal verb because it requires a direct object to complete its meaning. The direct object specifies what is being removed, obtained, or eliminated.
Example
Her lack of experience counted against her in the job interview.
Example
The team's previous losses counted against them in the tournament.
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb? - A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle. - An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.
Inseparable
“count against” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.
Example
Her lack of experience counted against her in the job interview.
Example
The team's previous losses counted against them in the tournament.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “count against”?
Good things to know
Does “count against” have an informal or formal tone?
Count against is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is appropriate for everyday conversations, as well as more formal settings, such as job interviews, academic discussions, or professional evaluations.
