a weak effort

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a weak effort" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an attempt or endeavor that lacks strength, effectiveness, or determination. Example: "The team's performance in the last game was disappointing; it was clearly a weak effort."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

33 human-written examples

Dreiling also had an early exit after a weak effort.

The New York Times - Sports

U-S-A!" A few moments, after a weak effort, it died.

The New York Times - Sports

But McCormack's spot-kick was a weak effort which Rob Green saved low to his left.

The Guardian - Sport

Bussaglia, now wearing the armband, slides a weak effort wide of the far post.

The New York Times

The Mets provided the few diehard fans who braved a threatening sky at Shea Stadium with a weak effort.

The New York Times - Sports

Indeed, China's news media mocked Mr. Obama's visit, casting it as a weak effort in a contest he was losing.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

The example above is actually, for my money, a fairly weak effort, failing to look very much like a "checkerboard" at all.

The Guardian

Thursday's result: Emmy and I did not get the anticipated lone front-running trip we envisioned but it didn't matter as she was out of gas turning for home in a very weak effort.

Los Angeles Times

Team-mate Grant Holt appeared to think he should take the penalty, reacting angrily before Boyle stepped up to hit a low and weak effort that was easily stopped.

BBC

Yet some Charlotte players saw the Knicks' weak effort as a sign that they had given up on Chaney.

The New York Times - Sports

The Blues did not get a shot until Bob Bassen's weak effort from near center ice at about the seven-minute mark.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When criticizing an action, use "a weak effort" to specifically highlight the lack of strength or determination behind it, rather than simply stating it was 'bad'.

Common error

Avoid simply saying something was "a weak effort" without providing specific examples or reasons why it was weak. Back up your critique with details for a more impactful message.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a weak effort" functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "weak" modifies the noun "effort". According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a weak effort" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase to express criticism or disappointment about an attempt or action lacking strength or effectiveness. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. The phrase is most frequently found in news and media contexts. When using this phrase, ensure you provide specific details to support your critique. Consider alternatives like "a feeble attempt" or "a poor showing" to fine-tune the intended meaning. While versatile, be mindful of the context and provide supporting details to give more impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a feeble attempt

Emphasizes a lack of force or effectiveness in the attempt.

a poor showing

Focuses on the disappointing nature of the performance.

a lackluster performance

Highlights the lack of enthusiasm or energy in the effort.

a half-hearted attempt

Stresses the lack of genuine commitment or enthusiasm.

an insufficient endeavor

Highlights the inadequacy of the effort to achieve the desired outcome.

a flimsy try

Implies a lack of substance or strength in the attempt.

a superficial effort

Suggests a lack of depth or thoroughness in the work.

a token gesture

Indicates an action done merely for appearance's sake, lacking genuine intention.

a nominal attempt

Highlights that only a small effort was done in order to fulfill a requirement, without too much effort.

a tame endeavor

Conveys a sense of being uninspired and weak.

FAQs

How can I use "a weak effort" in a sentence?

You can use "a weak effort" to describe a performance, attempt, or action that lacks strength, effectiveness, or determination. For example, "The team's performance was a weak effort, lacking energy and focus."

What are some alternatives to "a weak effort"?

Alternatives include "a feeble attempt", "a poor showing", or "a lackluster performance". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "a weak effort" or "an inadequate effort"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but "a weak effort" emphasizes the lack of strength or energy, while "an inadequate effort" focuses on the insufficiency of the attempt to achieve the desired result. Choose the phrase that best fits the specific context.

What does it mean when someone describes something as "a weak effort"?

It means that the person perceives the attempt or action as lacking the necessary strength, energy, or commitment to be successful or satisfactory. It often implies disappointment or criticism.