a weak dollar

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a weak dollar" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the value of the U.S. dollar in relation to other currencies, particularly in economic or financial contexts. Example: "The recent economic policies have led to a weak dollar, affecting international trade."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

That weakness has been offset by strength in exports, which have benefited from a weak dollar.

The New York Times

A weak dollar helps oil prices.

The Economist

A weak dollar favors American exports.

The New York Times

A weak dollar makes American goods cheaper overseas.

The New York Times

"It is still a weak dollar environment," Mr. Dolan said.

The New York Times

A weak dollar has also made American cities more tempting.

The Economist

"The solution isn't a weak dollar," he said.

The New York Times

A weak dollar makes commodities more attractive to foreign investors.

The New York Times

For Americans, the ramifications of a weak dollar are varied.

The New York Times

"It's a hedge against a weak dollar, not a hedge against inflation".

The New York Times

Americans who favour a weak dollar should be careful what they wish for.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing international trade, use "a weak dollar" to explain increased exports due to cheaper prices for foreign buyers.

Common error

Don't assume that "a weak dollar" always benefits everyone. While it can boost exports, it also makes imports more expensive, potentially harming consumers.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a weak dollar" functions as a noun phrase modified by an adjective. It describes the state of the U.S. dollar's value in relation to other currencies. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English, highlighting its relevance in economic discussions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

5%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a weak dollar" is a common and grammatically correct term used to describe the state of the U.S. dollar's value relative to other currencies. Ludwig AI analysis, together with the multiple examples, indicates that it's most frequently used in news and business contexts to discuss the impacts on international trade, commodity prices and corporate profits. While a weak dollar can benefit exporters by making their goods cheaper for foreign buyers, it can also increase the cost of imports. Therefore, it is essential to avoid overgeneralizations about its effects. Related phrases include "a devalued dollar" and "a depreciating dollar".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a devalued dollar

Replaces 'weak' with 'devalued', emphasizing the reduction in value relative to other currencies.

a depreciating dollar

Uses 'depreciating' to highlight the ongoing process of the dollar losing value.

a low-valued dollar

Rephrases to focus on the dollar's low value rather than its weakness.

a soft dollar

Employs 'soft' as a synonym for 'weak', a common term in financial contexts.

a declining dollar

Uses 'declining' to suggest a downward trend in the dollar's value.

a cheap dollar

Replaces 'weak' with 'cheap', emphasizing the reduced cost of the dollar.

a fragile dollar

Substitutes 'fragile' to indicate vulnerability and instability in the dollar's value.

an unstable dollar

Highlights the lack of stability in the dollar's value.

a vulnerable dollar

Uses 'vulnerable' to suggest susceptibility to economic pressures and devaluation.

a pressured dollar

Indicates that the dollar is facing downward pressure in the market.

FAQs

How does "a weak dollar" affect international trade?

A weak dollar typically makes a country's exports cheaper for foreign buyers, potentially increasing export volume. Conversely, it makes imports more expensive.

What are some alternatives to saying "a weak dollar"?

You can use alternatives like "a devalued dollar", "a depreciating dollar", or "a low-valued dollar" depending on the context.

Who benefits from "a weak dollar"?

Exporters generally benefit from a weak dollar because their goods become more competitive in foreign markets. Multinationals with significant overseas earnings may also see a boost in profits when those earnings are translated back into dollars.

Does "a weak dollar" always indicate a struggling economy?

Not necessarily. While a weak dollar can be a symptom of economic challenges, it can also be a deliberate policy choice to stimulate exports and economic growth. Other factors, such as interest rate differentials and global economic conditions, also play a significant role.