a major weakness

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a major weakness" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant flaw or disadvantage in a person, system, or argument. Example: "One of the major weaknesses of the proposal is its lack of detailed financial analysis."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This mechanism is elegant, however it has a major weakness.

Economics Letters

The play, which opened last night, has a major weakness.

The New York Times

Crack formation and progression under tensile stress is a major weakness of concrete.

Construction and Building Materials

Martinez's side are adept at attacking but their inability to manage games remains a major weakness.

The Guardian - Sport

Mr. Gore's style had seemed a major weakness of his candidacy.

The New York Times

On its surface, it allows the Mets to address a major weakness behind the plate.

The New York Times - Sports

The offensive line was a major weakness for the Giants last season.

The New York Times - Sports

A major weakness of the Manchester plan could turn out to be the complicated governance arrangements.

The Guardian

If he has a major weakness, this may be the round it is discovered and exploited.

The New York Times - Sports

"Al Qaeda is suffering from a major weakness now," Mr. Aside said.

The New York Times

A major weakness in Morocco's resource inventory is its shortage of domestic energy sources.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a major weakness", ensure the context clearly defines what is being considered weak and why it is significant. For example, "A major weakness of the study is the small sample size."

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the consequences of "a major weakness". While it is important to highlight the issue, ensure the description remains objective and avoids hyperbole. Instead of saying "This major weakness will lead to complete failure", consider "This major weakness could significantly impact the project's success."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a major weakness" functions as a noun phrase that identifies a significant flaw, defect, or shortcoming. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's used to highlight substantial imperfections.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

42%

News & Media

39%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a major weakness" is a noun phrase used to identify a significant flaw or shortcoming. Ludwig AI confirms it is grammatically correct and usable across various contexts. The phrase is frequently found in scientific, news, and encyclopedia sources, indicating its broad applicability. While there are several alternatives like "a significant deficiency" or "a critical flaw", it's crucial to use the phrase accurately and objectively, avoiding overstatement of the issue. Using the phrase effectively involves clearly defining the weakness and its impact. With these considerations, "a major weakness" remains a valuable tool for critical analysis and improvement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a significant deficiency

Emphasizes the lack of something important.

a critical flaw

Highlights a fault that could have serious consequences.

a serious shortcoming

Indicates a notable imperfection or failing.

a notable disadvantage

Focuses on the unfavorable aspect or drawback.

a key vulnerability

Points out a point of susceptibility or risk.

a central failing

Highlights the core or primary area of failure.

a substantial impediment

Emphasizes a considerable obstacle or barrier.

a considerable limitation

Focuses on the restricted or constrained aspect.

a grave defect

Indicates a serious imperfection or fault.

a primary drawback

Highlights the main negative aspect.

FAQs

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

You can use "a major weakness" to point out a significant flaw or deficiency in something. For example, "A major weakness of the plan is its lack of funding".

What are some alternatives to "a major weakness"?

Alternatives include "a significant deficiency", "a critical flaw", or "a serious shortcoming", depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "a major weakness" in formal writing?

Yes, "a major weakness" is suitable for formal writing. However, ensure your analysis is well-supported with evidence and that your tone remains objective and professional.

What's the difference between "a major weakness" and "a minor weakness"?

"A major weakness" indicates a substantial flaw that could significantly impact the outcome. "A minor weakness", on the other hand, refers to a smaller, less consequential issue that might not have a significant effect.