a diminished state

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a diminished state" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a condition or situation where something has lost its strength, quality, or effectiveness. Example: "After the long battle, the kingdom was left in a diminished state, struggling to recover from the losses."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Is it something to do with their loss of empire, and their new role in the world, as a diminished state desperately clinging to its glorious past?

The Guardian - Opinion

"Few glaciers will remain in the Interior and Rockies regions, but maritime glaciers, in particular those in northwestern British Columbia, will survive in a diminished state," the investigators said.

The Guardian

By returning to Plain Dealing in such a diminished state, Pershing promised to darken the memory of his and Woodrow's heroic pasts and to serve up a new picture of what loss can do.

The New York Times - Sports

The president, with his re-election on the horizon, emerges from the showdown in a diminished state after giving considerable ground and struggling to rise above a deep partisan intransigence that has engulfed Washington.

The New York Times

John Sandweg, a former top aide to Napolitano and acting director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement under President Barack Obama, said the complicated politics of Nielsen's situation combined with a résumé that is less extensive relative to some of her predecessors leave her in a "diminished state" compared with some of her predecessors.

The Washington Post

Mr. Trump has risen quickly to the top of several polls, challenging or erasing the long-held leads of Mr. Walker in Iowa and Mr. Bush in New Hampshire, and he enters the debates with far greater name recognition and personal wealth to draw on than the other candidates, who cannot afford to leave the debate in a diminished state.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

As the 10th anniversary of German unification approaches on Oct. 3, it seems clear that this conjunction of recovered German nationhood with a diminished nation state has had some disturbing effects.

The New York Times

This man was Robert Stacy McCain, a reporter for the American Spectator, a magazine whose diminished state might be taken as representative of the fates of those Yorkite conservatives.

Vice

In a May 12 , 2012New York Times article, Andrew Martin reports, "At a time of diminished state funding for higher education and uncertain federal dollars, Mr. Gee says that public colleges and universities need to devise a new business model to pay for the cost of education, beyond sticking students with higher tuition and greater debt".

Huffington Post

At a time of diminished state funding for higher education and uncertain federal dollars, Mr. Gee says that public colleges and universities need to devise a new business model to pay for the costs of education, beyond sticking students with higher tuition and greater debt.

The New York Times

This man was Robert Emmett Tyrell, the founder and editor-in-chief of the American Spectator, a magazine whose diminished state might be taken as representative of the fates of those Yorkite conservatives.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a diminished state", ensure the context clearly indicates what is diminished and the cause of the diminishment. Providing specific details enhances clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "a diminished state" without clearly specifying what is being diminished. Ambiguity can confuse the reader. Always provide sufficient context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a diminished state" functions as a noun phrase, typically following a preposition or used as a subject complement. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

17%

Academia

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a diminished state" effectively describes a reduction in strength, quality, or effectiveness. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use. While not overly common, its clarity and neutrality make it suitable for various contexts, especially in news, scientific, and academic writing. When employing this phrase, ensure clear context to avoid ambiguity and maximize its impact. Alternatives such as "a weakened condition" or "a reduced capacity" can offer nuanced variations to express similar ideas.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a weakened condition

Focuses on the physical or general decline in strength or health.

a reduced capacity

Highlights the decrease in ability or potential.

a declining condition

Emphasizes the ongoing process of deterioration.

an impaired status

Indicates a compromised or damaged situation.

a deteriorated form

Stresses the degradation of shape or quality.

a declining influence

Focuses on a reduction in power or authority.

a waning power

Emphasizes the gradual decrease in strength or effectiveness.

a compromised state

Highlights that something has been negatively affected or weakened.

a less powerful position

Indicates a weaker stance or level of control.

a degraded situation

Stresses the lowering of quality or condition.

FAQs

What does "a diminished state" mean?

The phrase "a diminished state" refers to a condition or situation where something has experienced a reduction in its strength, power, quality, or effectiveness. It implies a decline from a previous, more robust condition.

How can I use "a diminished state" in a sentence?

You can use "a diminished state" to describe various scenarios, such as: "After the economic crisis, the country's infrastructure was left in "a diminished state"." or "The athlete's performance suffered due to their "a weakened condition"".

What are some alternatives to "a diminished state"?

Some alternatives include "a weakened condition", "a reduced capacity", or "a declining condition", depending on the specific context you wish to convey.

Is it correct to say "in a diminished state"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct to use the phrase "in a diminished state". The phrase is commonly used to describe something that exists or operates with reduced strength or effectiveness. For example: "The organization continued to function in "a compromised state" after the scandal".