1 B1 neutral
To oppose or act in a way that contradicts someone's wishes, beliefs, or instructions.
"He went against his parents' wishes and dropped out of university to start a band."
inseparable
go against
B1 neutral inseparable transitive
To oppose, contradict, or be in conflict with someone or something.
In plain English
To do the opposite of what someone wants, believes, or expects.
What does "go against" mean?
3 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B1 neutral
To be in conflict with or violate a rule, principle, or value.
"Accepting bribes goes against everything this organisation stands for."
inseparable
3 B2 neutral
When a result, vote, or decision is unfavourable for someone.
"The court ruling went against the company, and they were ordered to pay damages."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To go in the direction against (opposing) something.
Actually means
To do the opposite of what someone wants, believes, or expects.
Usage tip
Very common in formal and neutral contexts. Used for opposing authority, violating principles, or when a result is unfavourable. 'The decision went against us' means the outcome was not in our favour.
Words that pair with "go against"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
wishes principles rules advice nature decision
How to conjugate "go against"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
go against
I/you/we/they
3rd person
goes against
he/she/it
Past simple
went against
yesterday
Past participle
gone against
have + pp
-ing form
going against
continuous
Hear "go against" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "go against" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
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