a critical weakness

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a critical weakness" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant flaw or vulnerability in a system, argument, or individual. Example: "The report highlighted a critical weakness in the security protocols that could be exploited by hackers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

However, it has a critical weakness, termed end-point constraints, which means that in the weak form, we cannot use the given initial conditions properly.

International Journal of Solids and Structures

For an initiative that's supposed to be demand-led, this could be a critical weakness.

The Guardian

Ms. DeWaal also identified the lack of product sampling as a "critical weakness in the program".

The New York Times - Food

Would a request for help be seen as a critical weakness?

The Guardian

He says: "The interview exposed a critical weakness in the client's business model and raised questions about their credibility as an ethical publisher.

The Guardian

UCU believes a critical weakness of our current system is the precarious employment of university teachers, 49% of whom are on insecure contracts".

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

It was found that the interface between the HA coating and the Ti alloy is a site of critical weakness when compared to the cohesive strength of the inter- and intra-lamellar structure of the HA coating.

Surface and Coatings Technology

In July, the company was forced to issue an urgent patch after another zero day vulnerability came to light following the hack of hackers-for-hire Hacking Team; and in June, Adobe barely beat the bad guys to the punch, issuing a patch for another critical weakness just days before it began being exploited by hackers in the wild.

The Guardian - Tech

Such a reassuring description hints that he'll be the emotional center of the novel and that, despite one critical weakness — catalyzed by a relentlessly seductive neighbor — he'll remain unwavering in the face of all kinds of chaos, including his mother's climb onto a roof, attracting a crowd of neighbors and the police.

The New York Times - Books

And as far as correcting the critical weakness of the British economy went, the Thatcherites had a clear answer.

The Guardian - Business

Vaughn wondered, beforehand, if they should also set up the later revelation of the aliens' critical weakness: "You can only kill these guys if you shoot them in the dick".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a critical weakness", be specific about the nature and impact of the weakness to provide clarity and context. Avoid vague statements and instead, elaborate on why the weakness is considered 'critical'.

Common error

Avoid using "a critical weakness" when a milder term like "a notable challenge" or "a minor issue" would be more accurate. Overusing strong language can dilute its impact when a truly critical weakness needs to be addressed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a critical weakness" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies a significant flaw or vulnerability. As Ludwig AI suggests, it highlights a notable deficiency that needs attention.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a critical weakness" is a commonly used phrase to denote a significant flaw or vulnerability. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability across various contexts. It is important to specify the nature and impact of the weakness to enhance clarity. Related phrases such as "a major vulnerability" or "a significant deficiency" can be used as alternatives depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. While grammatically sound, avoid overstating the significance of an issue by using "a critical weakness" when a milder term would be more appropriate. The phrase appears frequently in News & Media and Science sources, indicating its relevance in both journalistic and academic discussions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a crucial vulnerability

Focuses on the susceptibility to damage or attack that the weakness introduces.

a major vulnerability

Replaces "critical weakness" with more common synonyms; focuses on the aspect of being susceptible to harm.

a significant deficiency

Emphasizes the lack of something essential, rather than a flaw in existing components.

a substantial shortcoming

Highlights the inadequacy or imperfection of something.

a fundamental flaw

Indicates a deep, underlying problem that affects the entire structure or system.

a key failing

Focuses on the act of not succeeding or meeting expectations.

a fatal flaw

Implies that the weakness is so severe it will inevitably lead to failure.

a major impediment

Highlights the hindering aspect of the weakness.

a decisive limitation

Highlights the restrictive nature of the weakness.

a crippling disadvantage

Emphasizes the severity of the weakness's negative impact, suggesting it severely hinders progress or success.

FAQs

How can I use "a critical weakness" in a sentence?

You can use "a critical weakness" to point out a significant flaw or vulnerability. For example, "The analysis revealed "a critical weakness" in the company's cybersecurity infrastructure."

What can I say instead of "a critical weakness"?

You can use alternatives like "a major vulnerability", "a significant deficiency", or "a fundamental flaw" depending on the specific context.

What is the difference between "a critical weakness" and "a minor flaw"?

"A critical weakness" implies a severe vulnerability that could lead to significant problems or failure, whereas "a minor flaw" suggests a less consequential imperfection that is unlikely to cause serious issues.

Is it better to identify strengths or "a critical weakness" in a project analysis?

Both are crucial. Identifying strengths helps to leverage advantages, while acknowledging "a critical weakness" allows for proactive mitigation and risk management, ultimately improving the project's success.