a demonstration of weakness

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a demonstration of weakness" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or action that reveals a lack of strength, confidence, or capability. Example: "His refusal to confront the issue was seen as a demonstration of weakness by his colleagues."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

This is a demonstration of weakness.

The New York Times

But they never imagined the S.E.C. would bring an administrative claim of "failure to supervise" against Mr. Cohen, which, to their way of thinking, would be an admission of defeat by the S.E.C. because it would be perceived as a demonstration of weakness, the equivalent of charging Al Capone with tax evasion.

The New York Times

Instead, we are usually given messages that cause us to perceive feeling our true emotions as a demonstration of weakness or simply unnecessary.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

These are armchair "experts" convinced that every international problem is a vital interest of the US; that the maintenance of "credibility" and "strength" is essential, and that any demonstration of "weakness" is a slippery slope to global anarchy and American obsolescence; and that being wrong and/or needlessly alarmist never loses one a seat at the table.

The Guardian - Opinion

The pair worked for months on a demonstration of the weaknesses of Blackboard technology.

The New York Times - Magazine

Suicide attacks are not signs of strength, but rather a clear demonstration of weakness.

Huffington Post

We know even less about Faye's marriage than we do about Cusk's, in "Aftermath," but, in the novel, the absence registers not as a weakness but, rather, as a demonstration of all that Faye feels is at stake.

The New Yorker

Make your social media profile a demonstration of your strengths, rather than a portrayal of your weaknesses.

WikiHow

A demonstration of turn-by-turn directions.

The New York Times

Writer saw a demonstration of the fibrescope.

The New Yorker

"It's a demonstration of my passion.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "a demonstration of weakness", consider the context carefully. It often carries a negative connotation, implying a lack of strength or capability. Ensure this aligns with your intended message.

Common error

Avoid automatically equating vulnerability with "a demonstration of weakness". While vulnerability can sometimes be perceived as weakness, it can also be a sign of courage and authenticity, depending on the situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a demonstration of weakness" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It serves to identify and categorize a specific instance or event as showing a lack of strength, resolve, or capability. Ludwig confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

28%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a demonstration of weakness" is a phrase used to describe a situation or action that reveals a lack of strength or capability. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and appropriate for use in written English, particularly in news, science, and wiki contexts. While often carrying a negative connotation, implying a deficiency, demonstrating vulnerability (akin to "a demonstration of weakness") can also be perceived as a sign of authenticity and courage in certain situations. Related phrases such as "an exhibition of vulnerability" and "a display of frailty" provide alternative ways to express similar concepts, while focusing on different aspects of the lack of strength.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an exhibition of vulnerability

Replaces "demonstration of weakness" with more direct synonym, highlighting the exposure of vulnerability.

a display of frailty

Emphasizes the fragility and vulnerability being shown, rather than the active demonstration.

an indication of vulnerability

Shifts from active showing to a sign or hint of weakness, less direct.

evidence of inadequacy

Focuses on the lack of capability or qualification rather than weakness in general.

a sign of powerlessness

Specifically highlights a lack of power and control, a particular type of weakness.

a manifestation of fragility

Similar to "display of frailty" but more formal and emphasizes the delicate nature.

a revelation of helplessness

Highlights the feeling of being unable to act or defend oneself.

an admission of defeat

Specifically points to acknowledging failure, rather than general weakness.

a confession of inadequacy

Directly acknowledges one's own shortcomings or lack of ability.

a portrayal of impotence

Focuses on the inability to take effective action; suggests a lack of agency.

FAQs

How can I use "a demonstration of weakness" in a sentence?

You can use "a demonstration of weakness" to describe an action or situation that reveals a lack of strength, confidence, or capability. For example: "His hesitation during the negotiation was "a demonstration of weakness"."

What are some alternatives to "a demonstration of weakness"?

Alternatives include phrases like "an exhibition of vulnerability", "a display of frailty", or "an indication of vulnerability", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always negative to show "a demonstration of weakness"?

While often negative, implying a lack of strength, showing vulnerability (which can be seen as "a demonstration of weakness") can, in some contexts, be a sign of authenticity and courage.

What's the difference between "a sign of weakness" and "a demonstration of weakness"?

"A sign of weakness" implies an indication or hint of weakness, while "a demonstration of weakness" suggests a more overt and visible display of that weakness. A sign is subtle; a demonstration is explicit.