a weakening

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a weakening" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a reduction in strength, intensity, or effectiveness of something. Example: "The recent changes in policy have resulted in a weakening of the organization's overall influence."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A weakening manufacturing sector.

The New York Times

The first is a weakening commercial spirit.

The New York Times

A weakening euro does not help.

The Economist

That has meant a weakening ruble.

The Washington Post

Rising inventory can indicate a weakening market.

The New York Times

This turns out to be a weakening.

The Guardian - Sport

Incumbents do worse in a weakening economy.

The New York Times

A weakening dollar offers them some relief.

The New York Times

Despite concerns over a weakening Brazilian real, optimism is high.

The New York Times

This causes a weakening of the westerlies with increasing height.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A weakening of muscles close to the torso is common.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a weakening", specify what is weakening to provide clarity and context. For example, instead of just stating "there is a weakening", say "there is a weakening of the economy".

Common error

Avoid using "a weakening" without clearly stating what is weakening. This can lead to vague and confusing sentences. Always provide context to ensure the reader understands the subject of the weakening.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a weakening" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It represents an instance or process of something becoming weaker. Ludwig's examples show it describing declines in various contexts, such as "a weakening economy" or "a weakening dollar".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Encyclopedias

8%

Science

7%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a weakening" is a grammatically correct and very commonly used noun phrase that describes a decline or reduction in strength, intensity, or effectiveness. According to Ludwig, this phrase is often used in news, encyclopedias and science to describe declines in various contexts, such as economies or currencies. When using "a weakening", it is important to specify what is weakening to ensure clarity. Some alternatives include ""a decline"", ""a reduction"", or ""a deterioration"". Ludwig AI confirms the general applicability of this expression in English writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a decline

Focuses on the general process of decreasing or failing.

a reduction

Emphasizes a decrease in quantity or intensity.

a deterioration

Highlights the process of becoming worse or more damaged.

a downturn

Specifically implies a downward trend, often in economic contexts.

an erosion

Suggests a gradual wearing away or diminution.

a flagging

Indicates a loss of energy or enthusiasm.

a softening

Implies a decrease in firmness or rigidity.

a lapse

Suggests a temporary decline or failure.

an impairment

Focuses on a diminishment of function or ability.

a fading

Emphasizes a gradual disappearance or loss of vibrancy.

FAQs

How can I use "a weakening" in a sentence?

You can use "a weakening" to describe a decrease in strength, intensity, or effectiveness. For example, "The company is experiencing "a weakening" of its market share".

What are some alternatives to "a weakening"?

Some alternatives to "a weakening" include "a decline", "a reduction", or "a deterioration" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "the weakening" instead of "a weakening"?

While "the weakening" can be grammatically correct, it implies a specific or already-mentioned instance of weakening. "A weakening" generally refers to a non-specific or newly introduced instance.

What's the difference between "a weakening" and "weakening"?

"A weakening" is a noun phrase referring to an instance or process of becoming weaker. "Weakening" can be a verb (e.g., "the storm is weakening") or a gerund (e.g., "the weakening economy").