a weak majority

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a weak majority" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where a majority exists, but it is not a strong or decisive one, often implying that the majority is small or lacks significant support. Example: "The recent vote resulted in a weak majority, leaving many members of the committee feeling uncertain about the decision."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Administration officials argue that even a resolution that passed with a weak majority would have authority.

The New York Times

You are the coward!" etc... Letta has said he will refuse to govern with a weak majority.

The Guardian - Business

Bridget Welsh, an associate professor at Singapore Management University who follows Malaysian electoral politics, said that whoever wins is likely to have a weak majority given that the race is so close, but that a narrow victory would leave Mr. Najib in a particularly tenuous position.

The New York Times

The data suggest that correspondence-type theories may enjoy a weak majority among professional philosophers and that the opposition is divided.

SEP

But if Hollande ends up with a weak majority or loses the majority to the UMP, then Merkel will have the upper hand and negotiations will become much tougher.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

He began by predicting that his party would win the election with a tiny, weak majority.

The Guardian

What is frankly difficult to understand is how Renzi can preach that only by implementing institutional reform will Italy ever have a government strong enough to achieve radical reforms, when he is about to attempt even more dramatic changes supported by a very weak majority.

The Guardian - Opinion

They also demonstrated the ability to distinguish between strong and weak majority, making these devices attractive for neuromorphic applications.

Forbes

An IHC score was determined for each cell population (epithelial cells, monocytes/macrophages, lymphocytes and neutrophils) according to the following scale: 0 = weak, majority of cells not staining; 1 = intermediate; 2 = strong, majority of cells staining.

Clinical and Experimental Immunology

For example, restrictions on the political and religious liberties of a weak minority might benefit the majority and so lead to a higher average overall.

SEP

One says that this has nothing to do with freedom of expression and democracy and that it's about a majority mocking a weak minority, about marginalizing and demonizing a group of people that already feel vulnerable.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a weak majority", consider specifying why the majority is weak. Is it due to a small numerical advantage, internal divisions, or external pressures? Providing context will strengthen your writing.

Common error

Avoid portraying a "weak majority" as a mandate or a powerful endorsement. Accurately represent its limited strength to maintain credibility and avoid misleading your audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a weak majority" functions as a noun phrase, where "weak" modifies the noun "majority". It describes the quality or characteristic of a majority, indicating it lacks strength or decisiveness, as supported by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

17%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a weak majority" is a commonly used phrase that describes a majority lacking in strength or stability. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and appropriateness across various contexts, particularly in news, science, and formal writing. Related phrases like "slim majority" and "fragile majority" offer alternative ways to express this concept. When using "a weak majority", be specific about the reasons why the majority is weak to improve clarity. Avoid overstating the significance of a "fragile majority" to maintain credibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a slim majority

Focuses on the small numerical difference that constitutes the majority.

a fragile majority

Emphasizes the instability and potential for collapse of the majority.

a tenuous majority

Highlights the vulnerability and lack of solid foundation of the majority.

a narrow majority

Similar to "slim majority", stressing the small margin.

an unstable majority

Focuses on the fluctuating and unreliable nature of the majority.

a marginal majority

Highlights that the majority barely exists or meets the requirement.

a shaky majority

Implies uncertainty and potential for the majority to dissolve.

a vulnerable majority

Highlights the susceptibility of the majority to external pressures.

a delicate majority

Stresses the careful handling required to maintain the majority.

a paper-thin majority

Emphasizes the insubstantial nature of the majority.

FAQs

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

You might say, "Despite securing "a slim majority", the government struggled to pass its agenda due to internal dissent.".

What's the difference between "a weak majority" and "a strong majority"?

"A weak majority" indicates a slight or unstable control, whereas "a strong majority" implies solid and decisive power.

Are there situations where having "a weak majority" can be advantageous?

In some coalition governments, "a fragile majority" might force compromise and consensus-building among diverse factions, leading to more inclusive policies.

What words are similar to "a weak majority"?

Similar terms include "a tenuous majority", "a narrow majority", and "an unstable majority", all indicating a less than secure hold on power.