a fundamental weakness

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a fundamental weakness" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a basic or essential flaw in a system, argument, or individual. Example: "The report highlighted a fundamental weakness in the company's security protocols that needed immediate attention."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

51 human-written examples

Measures like these, however, still mask a fundamental weakness of the city's position.

The New Yorker

The doctors' behavior does expose a fundamental weakness in the concept underlying algorithm-based negotiation software.

The New York Times - Tech

The marking by defenders is so haphazard as to suggest a fundamental weakness.

The Guardian - Sport

The author, Stephen Gandel, highlights a fundamental weakness of individual pension accounts; they expose retirees to asset risk.

The Economist

Yet he has lost control of the agenda in a manner which hints at a fundamental weakness.

Independent

Premature failure due to low mechanical properties in the transverse direction to the fiber constitutes a fundamental weakness of fiber reinforced polymeric composites.

Composites Part B: Engineering

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

9 human-written examples

There was also a more fundamental weakness at work.

The Guardian - Opinion

Yet America has a more fundamental weakness: Attempts to remedy its economic malaise tend to focus on short-term tactical problems, with relatively little policymaking devoted to the more long-term, structural considerations.

The New York Times

AFTER lurching robotically into their worst crisis in more than three-quarters of a century, the fundamental weakness of banks in America and Europe has now become horribly clear.

The Economist

A rational Southern observer would have seen that the raid was a sign of the fundamental weakness of abolitionism as an armed cause and, with a bit of wisdom, would have seized the chance to do something before it became a stronger one.

The New Yorker

It can be read as an exposition of the fundamental weakness of the acquisitive society, and he used a variant of the argument again focusing on the withering away of the wealth-creating urge to explain the inevitable advent of socialism.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a fundamental weakness", ensure you clearly define what it applies to. Providing context enhances clarity and prevents misinterpretation.

Common error

Avoid using "a fundamental weakness" when describing minor issues. Reserve it for flaws that significantly impact the overall system or argument.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a fundamental weakness" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies a key flaw or deficiency. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Science

39%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Academia

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a fundamental weakness" is a noun phrase used to identify a significant flaw or deficiency. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability across diverse writing contexts. It is very common, particularly in news, scientific, and business domains, and its effective use involves clearly defining what is affected by the weakness. Related phrases include "a basic flaw" and "a core deficiency". Remember to use it appropriately to describe significant, rather than superficial, issues.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a basic flaw

Replaces "fundamental" with "basic", indicating a simple, underlying problem.

a core deficiency

Substitutes "weakness" with "deficiency", emphasizing a lack or inadequacy.

a key vulnerability

Uses "vulnerability" instead of "weakness", highlighting susceptibility to harm or exploitation.

a central failing

Replaces "weakness" with "failing", focusing on a significant failure or shortcoming.

a major limitation

Emphasizes the restrictive aspect of the weakness.

a critical flaw

Highlights the severity of the flaw.

a primary defect

Focuses on the inherent imperfection.

a root problem

Pinpoints the origin of the issue.

an underlying issue

Suggests a less obvious, but important problem.

an inherent limitation

Highlights that the limitation is naturally part of something

FAQs

How can I effectively illustrate "a fundamental weakness" in an argument?

Provide specific examples and evidence that demonstrate how the weakness undermines the argument's core claims. Use phrases like "this reveals "a critical flaw"" or "this highlights "a key vulnerability"" to emphasize the point.

What's the difference between "a fundamental weakness" and "a superficial flaw"?

"A fundamental weakness" refers to a deep-seated, significant flaw that affects the core functionality or validity of something. In contrast, "a superficial flaw" is a minor, surface-level issue that doesn't have a major impact. Consider using "a minor defect" if the issue is not fundamental.

When is it appropriate to use "a fundamental weakness" in formal writing?

It's suitable when critically analyzing systems, theories, or strategies, where identifying core flaws is essential for constructive evaluation and improvement. In less formal contexts consider using "a basic flaw".

What are some synonyms for "a fundamental weakness" that maintain a formal tone?

Alternatives include "a core deficiency", "a central failing", or "a major limitation". The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.