Weaker

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of the phrase "Weaker" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when comparing strength, effectiveness, or intensity, often in a comparative context. An example is: "This argument is weaker than the previous one." Alternative expressions include "less strong" and "not as strong."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Weaker growth means that Mr Osborne will make even slower progress in his goal of eliminating the government deficit.

The Guardian

Weaker inflation could lead to mounting calls for another round of QE.

The Guardian - Business

This reported that the weaker mixture was modestly protective.

The Economist

The weaker currency that would result from leaving the euro is not a get out of jail free card, far from it.

The Guardian - Business

Labour is facing a desperate battle to stop a Scottish National party landslide after a poll showed the SNP had a clear but weaker lead across Labour constituencies in Scotland.

The Guardian

Iron ore is trading at a six-year low of around $US55 per tonne amid weaker Chinese demand.

The Guardian - Business

Engagement is pretty weak tea: but divestment is weaker still in terms of practical effects: it just transfers shares to investors who don't care at all.

The Guardian

George Osborne has told public sector workers and the low paid that they will be the ones to pick up the bill for his attempts to kickstart Britain's stagnant economy, and warned that weaker growth and higher borrowing would force the country to endure a record breaking six years of austerity.

The Guardian

But business investment growth is again going to come in weaker than expected, making the path to better balanced growth an uphill one.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Amec, which has shrugged off two takeover approaches this year, the latest just a month ago, warned that profits for 2006 would be £15m below expectations, blaming restructuring costs at UK Construction and a weaker-than-hoped performance from the pipelines and nuclear business.

The Guardian - Business

This afternoon its trumpets were in full bloom, comfortably upright in a blustery April wind that had flattened more refined, weaker-stemmed modern cultivars in gardens.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "weaker" to compare the strength of arguments or positions, ensure the context clearly identifies what is being compared. For instance, "This argument is "weaker" than the one presented earlier."

Common error

Avoid using "weaker" without a clear point of comparison. Saying something is "weaker" without specifying what it is "weaker" than can lead to ambiguity and confusion. Always provide the reference point.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "weaker" is as a comparative adjective. It is used to describe something that possesses less of a particular quality (such as strength, power, or effectiveness) than something else. Ludwig examples show it modifying nouns like 'growth', 'inflation', and 'performance'.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Formal & Business

16%

Science

11%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "weaker" functions as a comparative adjective, used to describe something as less strong or effective than another. Ludwig's analysis of numerous examples shows that it is frequently found in contexts such as news, business, and economics, to describe things like "weaker" growth or "weaker" demand. The expression is grammatically sound and widely understood, as noted by Ludwig. Therefore, it is generally acceptable for use in various communication scenarios where comparative assessments are needed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not as strong

A straightforward comparison indicating a lower level of strength.

less potent

Indicates a reduced effectiveness or power compared to something else.

less robust

Emphasizes a lack of resilience or durability in comparison to another item or situation.

less intense

Describes a lower level of strength or force.

diminished

Highlights a reduction in size, extent, or importance.

reduced

Focuses on the lessening of quantity, size, or degree.

less resilient

Highlights a reduced ability to recover quickly from difficulties.

more fragile

Emphasizes increased vulnerability or susceptibility to damage.

declining

Focuses on the process of something becoming less or worse.

in decline

Suggests a gradual deterioration or decrease in quality or quantity.

FAQs

How do I use "weaker" in a sentence?

Use "weaker" to indicate that something has less strength, power, or effectiveness than something else. For example, "The economy is showing "weaker" growth this quarter".

What are some synonyms for "weaker"?

Alternatives to "weaker" include "less potent", "less robust", or "diminished", depending on the specific context.

How does "weaker" compare to "weakest"?

"Weaker" is a comparative adjective, indicating something is less strong than something else. "Weakest" is a superlative adjective, indicating something is the least strong of all.

Is it correct to use "weaker" in a business context?

Yes, it is appropriate to use "weaker" in a business context to describe, for example, "less intense" market demand or a company's "declining" financial performance.