a drop in confidence

USAGE SUMMARY

"a drop in confidence" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It can be used to describe a decrease or decrease in one's level of self-assurance or belief in oneself. Example: After receiving criticism from her boss, Sarah experienced a drop in confidence and started to doubt her abilities at work.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

Some women also experience a drop in confidence mid-career.

The Guardian

In addition, the report cited a drop in confidence among French entrepreneurs.

The New York Times

For his sector, Reisner said, the biggest threat from a drop in confidence was to privately funded infrastructure projects.

The Guardian - Business

In the case of price adjustment costs, desirable fiscal rules ensure that a drop in confidence does not lead to a decline in real marginal costs.

Journal of Economic Dynamics and Control

The closely watched survey by the Ifo thinktank reported a drop in confidence for the third month in a row, reaching the lowest level in two years.

The Guardian

At the same time, a survey showed the decline in the manufacturing sector accelerated last month as orders slumped, echoing other reports of a drop in confidence amid spending cuts and a worsening eurozone crisis.

The Guardian - Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

Ask if he has experienced a drop in self-confidence because of his nose.

WikiHow

Moreover, the crisis of trust in the alliance precipitated a drop in market confidence among foreign investors and massive transfers of currency abroad by South Korean companies until the situation stabilized.

The New York Times

On the other hand, Gallup reported a drop in citizens' confidence in the federal government's ability to handle Ebola, from 61percentt of respondents expressing confidence early in October to only 52percentt later in the month.

Forbes

Other reports pointed to cooling factory activity in New York State this month, along with a drop in household confidence in the economy.

The New York Times

On Friday, the University of Michigan reported a drop in consumer confidence in August that was much bigger than had been expected by Wall Street.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a drop in confidence", consider the specific context to ensure it accurately reflects the nuance you intend. Is it a general loss of self-assurance, or a more specific loss of faith in a particular outcome?

Common error

Avoid using "a drop in confidence" as a catch-all phrase for negative feelings. Be specific about the underlying cause of the decreased confidence, such as fear of failure, lack of preparation, or negative feedback.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a drop in confidence" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a state or condition, aligning with Ludwig AI's assessment of grammatical correctness and common usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Science

18%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a drop in confidence" is a commonly used and grammatically correct expression that describes a decrease in self-assurance or belief. Ludwig AI confirms its wide acceptance. Analysis of Ludwig's examples reveals its frequent use in news and media to explain various phenomena, from economic downturns to personal struggles. While it is a versatile phrase, it's important to consider its specific context and potential for vagueness, as indicated in the writing guidance. Related phrases, such as "a decline in self-assurance" or "a loss of faith in", can offer nuanced alternatives depending on the specific meaning you wish to convey. Top sources include The New York Times and The Guardian.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

waning self-belief

Uses "waning" to describe a gradual decrease in self-belief, adding a sense of ongoing decline.

a decline in self-assurance

Replaces "confidence" with a more formal synonym, "self-assurance", indicating a slightly more elevated register.

reduced self-esteem

Highlights a lower evaluation of one's own worth, which can contribute to a drop in confidence.

a slip in conviction

Replaces "confidence" with "conviction", highlighting a weakening of firm beliefs or opinions.

a decrease in certainty

Substitutes "confidence" with "certainty", emphasizing a reduction in sureness about something.

a loss of faith in

Emphasizes the aspect of belief, implying a stronger degree of disillusionment than a simple drop.

eroding trust

Focuses on the breakdown of trust, either in oneself or in external entities, leading to decreased confidence.

a dip in morale

Shifts the focus to group sentiment rather than individual belief, implying a decline in overall positivity.

a weakening of resolve

Focuses on a reduction in determination or commitment, rather than general self-belief.

a fall in spirits

Indicates a decrease in enthusiasm or happiness, a related but distinct emotional state.

FAQs

How can I use "a drop in confidence" in a sentence?

You can use "a drop in confidence" to describe a decrease in someone's self-assurance. For example, "The team experienced "a drop in confidence" after their recent loss."

What's a more formal alternative to "a drop in confidence"?

A more formal alternative would be "a decline in self-assurance" or "a reduction in certainty."

Is "a drop in confidence" the same as "low self-esteem"?

While related, they are not identical. "A drop in confidence" refers to a specific instance or period of decreased self-assurance, whereas low self-esteem is a more chronic and pervasive feeling of inadequacy.

What factors can contribute to "a drop in confidence"?

Many things can cause "a drop in confidence", including negative feedback, failures, lack of preparation, and stressful situations.