# count against

CEFR B2 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/count-against
Updated: 2026-04-24

## Definition

to be a disadvantage to you or make people have a lower opinion of you.

For teachers: to be considered a negative factor or disadvantage in an assessment of someone's merit or suitability.

## Examples

- His lack of experience might count against him.
- The committee decided that her previous criminal record would count against her during the final selection process.
- While the candidate's technical skills were impressive, his inability to demonstrate collaborative leadership during the interview ultimately counted against him.

## Pitfalls

- Not "His lateness counted him against." but "His lateness counted against him." — this phrasal verb is inseparable; the object must follow the particle 'against'.

## Usage notes

- the subject is usually a fact or quality, and the object is the person being disadvantaged.
- Teaching tip: contrast with 'work against' (more general) and 'hold against' (implies a personal grudge or specific blame); 'count against' is common in formal evaluations and interviews.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.