Weak memory

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Weak memory" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone has difficulty remembering information or experiences. Example: "Due to his weak memory, he often forgets important dates and events."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

Weak memory consistency models impact the productivity of programming and may bring correctness problems of legacy programs.

Journal of Parallel and Distributed Computing

Cortical cells that carry weak memory traces seem to become particularly active.

The New York Times - Science

Researchers typically improve parallelism by weakening determinism or introducing weak memory consistency models.

Journal of Parallel and Distributed Computing

While fMRI tests distinguished between rich recollection and a weak memory, the researchers could not prove whether those memories were based on the recollection of an actual experience.

Stanford University

The other senators resent Burris because he is proof that just about anybody blessed with strong persistence and a weak memory can join their club.

The New York Times

Malnutrition may lead to reduced mental capabilities such as weak memory, significantly reducing potential for improved economic well-being and social status in adulthood.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

In much the same way, weak memories can improve understanding.

The New York Times

Mr. Vaupel noted that older people prize smartphones because they bolster weak memories.

The New York Times

Finally, both short-term and long-term memory showed no savings between repeated experiments suggesting that this novel object recognition paradigm may be useful for longitudinal studies, particularly when investigating treatments to stabilize or enhance weak memories in neurodegenerative diseases or during age-related cognitive decline.

Neurobiology of Learning and Memory

Not show-places, therefore, but places capable of intercepting weak memories and energies dispersed over the territory, where immaterial and imaginary goods can be produced.

City, Territory and Architecture

Reviewer 1: 1) It has been shown that the reaction time of respondents differs between strong and weak memories with weaker memories having longer reaction times (i.e. Stark and Squire, 2000).

eLife

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing cognitive abilities, use "weak memory" to denote a general lack of retentive capacity, but specify the type of memory (e.g. short-term, working, episodic) for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "weak memory" interchangeably with simple forgetfulness. "Weak memory" implies a chronic or underlying condition, while forgetfulness can be a temporary lapse due to stress or distraction.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "weak memory" functions primarily as a descriptive adjective + noun combination, characterizing the quality of someone's memory. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

30%

News & Media

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "weak memory" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase to describe a deficiency in the ability to retain and recall information. As Ludwig AI points out, this phrase is suitable for general use. It appears across various contexts, notably in science, news, and academia. When using this phrase, specify the type of memory affected and avoid conflating it with mere forgetfulness. Alternative phrases like "poor memory" or "impaired memory" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

poor memory

Direct synonym replacing 'weak' with 'poor'.

failing memory

Indicates a memory that is deteriorating.

faulty memory

Suggests a memory that is unreliable or inaccurate.

deficient memory

Emphasizes a lack or shortage in memory capacity.

impaired memory

Highlights a damaged or weakened memory function.

fragile memory

Implies a delicate and easily lost memory.

unreliable memory

Focuses on the untrustworthiness of the memory.

limited memory capacity

Describes a restricted ability to store memories.

poor retention

Highlights the inability to retain information effectively.

short-term memory loss

Specifically refers to the loss of recent memories.

FAQs

How can I use "weak memory" in a sentence?

You can use "weak memory" to describe someone who has difficulty remembering things, as in, "Due to her "weak memory", she often forgets appointments."

What are some alternatives to "weak memory"?

Some alternatives to "weak memory" include "poor memory", "failing memory", or "impaired memory". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it more appropriate to say "weak memory" or "poor memory"?

Both "weak memory" and "poor memory" are acceptable, but "weak memory" might suggest a more inherent or long-term condition, while "poor memory" can describe a temporary state.

What does it mean in computing when referring to a "weak memory" consistency model?

In computer science, a "weak memory" consistency model is a programming model where the order of operations may not be strictly maintained, potentially leading to unexpected results in multi-threaded programs.