a weakening of

USAGE SUMMARY

"a weakening of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a decrease in strength, power, or intensity. For example, "The recent layoffs caused a weakening of morale in the company."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We will see a weakening of that trend in 2008".

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

Succeeding Dumas saw a weakening of Kadet strength.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Britain's withdrawal would mark a weakening of Europe's liberal democratic order, many participants agreed.

The Guardian

His allies insist they see little evidence of a weakening of that support.

The Guardian

Privacy advocates said they feared that the delay would lead to a weakening of privacy protections.

The New York Times

When they slow, one consequence can be a weakening of the dollar.

The New York Times

The result was exactly what Rogers had hoped for: a weakening of the pirate alliance.

The New York Times - Books

Many predict a weakening of support for economic liberalism beyond the immediate banking crisis.

The Guardian - Opinion

The Republican enrollment decline may also have contributed to a weakening of party leadership.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a weakening of", ensure that the noun it modifies is specific to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of "a weakening", specify "a weakening of the economy" or "a weakening of resolve".

Common error

Avoid using "a weakening of" with overly abstract nouns that lack clear, measurable qualities. Phrases like "a weakening of understanding" are vague and can be expressed more clearly using stronger verbs like "undermining" or "diminishing".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a weakening of" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject or object of a sentence. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and commonly used. It indicates a reduction in the strength, intensity, or effectiveness of something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

28%

Encyclopedias

11%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a weakening of" is a versatile noun phrase used to describe a decrease in strength, power, or intensity across various domains. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used. It is particularly common in news, scientific, and encyclopedic contexts, where it serves to analyze trends and explain consequences. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying the noun it modifies and avoiding overly abstract constructions. Alternatives such as ""a decline in"" or ""a reduction in"" can provide nuanced variations depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a decline in

Focuses on a downward trend or decrease rather than necessarily a loss of strength. Could apply to numbers, influence, etc.

a reduction in

Emphasizes a decrease in quantity or degree, which can lead to weakening.

a decrease in

Similar to reduction but might imply a slower or less forceful drop.

a lessening of

Indicates a gradual reduction or diminishing, often in intensity or impact.

a deterioration of

Highlights the process of something becoming worse or impaired.

a flagging of

Emphasizes a loss of energy or enthusiasm, implying something is becoming weaker.

a erosion of

Implies a gradual wearing away or disintegration, leading to a loss of strength.

a compromise of

Highlights the impairment or reduction of a quality or principle, rather than strength.

a softening of

Implies a reduction of harshness or intensity, not necessarily a loss of overall strength.

a flagging of

Synonymous, but less used version of "a decline in".

FAQs

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

You can use "a weakening of" to describe a decrease in strength, power, or intensity. For example, "The scandal caused "a weakening of public trust"" or "There was "a weakening of the dollar"".

What are some alternatives to "a weakening of"?

Alternatives to "a weakening of" include "a decline in", "a reduction in", or "a lessening of", depending on the context.

Is it ever incorrect to use "a weakening of"?

While grammatically correct, using "a weakening of" with overly abstract nouns can make your writing less clear. Consider if a stronger verb or a more specific noun would improve the clarity of your sentence.

What's the difference between "a weakening of" and "a decline in"?

While similar, "a weakening of" often implies a loss of power or strength, whereas "a decline in" suggests a decrease in quantity or value. The best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.