a small weakness

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a small weakness" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a minor flaw or vulnerability in a person, system, or argument. Example: "While the presentation was strong overall, there was a small weakness in the data analysis that could be improved."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Science & Research

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

There is, however, a small weakness: chocolate eclairs, which are "her absolute favourite".

The Guardian - Sport

It's a relief to find out that someone who scares everyone else and seems untouchable has a small weakness, although I don't think it will be much use to England tomorrow.

The Guardian - Sport

Expressing a willingness to learn more or admitting a small weakness will make you appear honest.

Science Magazine

A small weakness in any part can cascade into a catastrophic event especially when a Web site has a rapidly growing base of customers and keeps loading on more features to attract still more.

Forbes

However, Fig. 1 ▶(b) also reveals a small weakness of the rigid-bond assumption: the H-atom displace­ment ellipsoids appear to be slightly squashed in the direction of the bond.

Acta crystallographica. Section C, Structural chemistry

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

They can be remarkably resilient and self-healing, yet at times quite vulnerable to some specific, seemingly small weakness — as if a tiny tear in a crucial artery were to cause someone to suffer heart failure.

The New York Times

And he had one very small weakness, which was that he wasn't nearly as successful with women as you would have thought.

The Guardian

The test results also showed that Chen and Teng's [J. Struct. Eng. 127(2001) 784] bond strength model is slightly conservative when the FRP-to-concrete width ratios are at the two extremes, but this small weakness can be easily removed when more test results of good quality become available.

Composites Part B: Engineering

Two small weakness should be mentioned.

Huffington Post

What imprints lies in your heart, your mind is the small weakness for work.

WikiHow

But, she concluded, "these are small weaknesses in what is a bounding, vibrant, richly imagined and thoroughly engaging whole".

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a small weakness", ensure the context clarifies what is being described as vulnerable. This phrase is most effective when the weakness contrasts with overall strength or competence.

Common error

Avoid using "a small weakness" to describe critical vulnerabilities. It's essential to accurately represent the scale of the issue to avoid misleading your audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a small weakness" functions as a noun phrase, where "small" is an adjective modifying the noun "weakness". It typically identifies a minor vulnerability or flaw. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Science & Research

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a small weakness" is used to describe a minor flaw or vulnerability. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. It is suitable for various contexts, including news, science, and general discussions. While not overly frequent, its meaning is clear and its use can add nuance to descriptions by highlighting that a flaw exists but is not critical. Remember to ensure the context clarifies what is being described as vulnerable and avoid overstating the significance of the weakness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

minor flaw

Replaces 'small' with 'minor', emphasizing the insignificance of the flaw.

small imperfection

Emphasizes the minor nature of the imperfection.

slight vulnerability

Substitutes 'weakness' with 'vulnerability', highlighting the susceptibility aspect.

insignificant flaw

Highlights the insignificance of the flaw making it a negligible issue.

trivial imperfection

Uses 'trivial' and 'imperfection' to indicate a very minor fault.

little failing

Employs 'little' and 'failing' to suggest a minor shortcoming.

minor deficiency

Replaces 'weakness' with 'deficiency', indicating a lack of something important but on a small scale.

slight defect

Uses 'defect' instead of 'weakness', pointing to a flaw in construction or design.

a touch of vulnerability

Expresses the presence of vulnerability in a less direct and softer tone.

minor chink in the armor

A more figurative way to describe a small vulnerability.

FAQs

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

You can use "a small weakness" to describe a minor flaw or vulnerability, such as, "Despite its robust security system, the company had "a small weakness" in its data encryption methods".

What are some alternatives to saying "a small weakness"?

Alternatives include "minor flaw", "slight vulnerability", or "trivial imperfection", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "small weakness" or "minor weakness"?

"Small weakness" and "minor weakness" are often interchangeable, but "minor weakness" might subtly emphasize the insignificance of the flaw more strongly.

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

"A small weakness" refers to a minor, often inconsequential vulnerability, while "a major weakness" indicates a significant and potentially critical flaw.