a very low efficacy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a very low efficacy" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the effectiveness or performance of a treatment, intervention, or method in various contexts, such as medicine or research. Example: "The new drug showed a very low efficacy in treating the disease, prompting researchers to reconsider its use."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

ES cells respond to RA poorly with respect to myogenic differentiation, i.e., RA has a very low efficacy at converting the ES cells into skeletal muscle lineage [ 46].

Cell and Bioscience

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Because of the very low efficacy of DIM, we considered a TEF model inappropriate for these data.

Environmental Health Perspectives

At 3 microM levels, the MnTDMOE-2-ImP(5+), bearing an oxygen atom within each of the eight side chains, was the most effective and offered much higher protection than MnTE-2-PyP(5+), while MnTDE-2-ImP(5+) was of very low efficacy.

Duke University

RNAi by synthetic siRNAs in cardiomyocytes displayed very low efficacy and stability even in vitro, and pharmacological approaches to PLB modulation have failed so far.

Cardiovascular Research

In light of the in vivo results provided by the FKN mouse model, we decided to further investigate the involvement of CX3CR1 in breast cancer metastasis by exogenously expressing this receptor in MDA-436 cells, as we found that these cells do not express CX3CR1 and migrate to the bone with very low efficacy.

Breast Cancer Research

For example, the knowledge parameter would show a large effect size which would result in a very low sample size whereas, self-efficacy would require a lager sample size.

BMC Nephrology

Considering the supposed preclinically dose-dependent efficacy of irinotecan, a very low dose of irinotecan might lead to negative clinical results.

British Journal of Cancer

In essence, this study validated the efficacy of this software as the target glycaemic range was rapidly achieved, with a very low rate of hypoglycaemia.

Critical Care

It was a very low point.

Independent

Omar kept a very low profile.

The New Yorker

Cook covered on a very low fire.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the results of a study or experiment, use "a very low efficacy" to clearly and concisely indicate that the treatment or intervention was not particularly effective. For increased clarity, quantify the efficacy with specific numbers when possible (e.g., "a very low efficacy of less than 10%").

Common error

Avoid confusing "efficacy" with "efficiency". "Efficacy" refers to the ability to produce a desired result, while "efficiency" refers to achieving that result with minimal waste of time, resources or effort. Using "a very low efficiency" implies wastefulness rather than ineffectiveness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a very low efficacy" functions as a descriptive phrase. It modifies a noun (typically a treatment, method, or intervention) by indicating that its ability to produce a desired result is significantly weak. Ludwig confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

45%

News & Media

20%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a very low efficacy" is a grammatically sound and widely used expression to describe something's ineffectiveness, as affirmed by Ludwig. It's frequently found in scientific and general contexts, indicating that a treatment, method, or intervention does not produce the desired results. While alternatives like "minimal effectiveness" or "limited efficacy" exist, the choice depends on the specific emphasis you want to convey. A key point is to avoid confusing "efficacy" with "efficiency". When using "a very low efficacy", quantify whenever possible and remember its context. Ludwig's examples underscore its versatility and correctness in various writing scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

minimal effectiveness

Replaces "efficacy" with "effectiveness" and uses "minimal" to emphasize the low degree.

poor effectiveness

Uses "poor" to describe the level of effectiveness, implying a substandard result.

limited efficacy

Replaces "very low" with "limited", indicating a restricted or reduced effect.

negligible impact

Shifts the focus to "impact" and uses "negligible" to convey an almost non-existent effect.

weak performance

Replaces "efficacy" with "performance" and uses "weak" to denote a low level of capability.

suboptimal result

Focuses on the "result" being less than ideal or expected.

inadequate effect

Uses "inadequate" to describe the "effect", suggesting it is insufficient.

unsatisfactory outcome

Emphasizes the "outcome" being not up to par or meeting expectations.

markedly reduced effectiveness

Adds emphasis to reduced effectiveness, suggesting a notable decline.

significantly impaired efficacy

Highlights that the efficacy is impaired and introduces the element of significance.

FAQs

How can I use "a very low efficacy" in a sentence?

You can use "a very low efficacy" to describe the ineffectiveness of a treatment, drug, or method. For example: "The new vaccine demonstrated "a very low efficacy" in preventing the disease during clinical trials."

What are some alternatives to saying "a very low efficacy"?

Alternatives include phrases like "minimal effectiveness", "poor efficacy", or "limited efficacy", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "low efficacy" or "a very low efficacy"?

"A very low efficacy" emphasizes the degree of ineffectiveness more strongly than simply "low efficacy". The choice depends on how much you want to highlight the lack of effectiveness.

What's the difference between "efficacy" and "effectiveness"?

While often used interchangeably, "efficacy" typically refers to the performance of something under ideal, controlled conditions (like a lab), whereas "effectiveness" refers to its performance in real-world conditions. In many contexts, either term is suitable.