confidence wanes

USAGE SUMMARY

"confidence wanes" is a valid and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe a situation where someone’s belief or assurance in themselves is dwindling, usually as a result of some other influence. For example, "As his colleagues began to doubt his decisions, John's confidence waned."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

Fear reigns and confidence wanes as Ofsted waves its stick.

The Guardian

Shares in the FTSE 25o firm fell 7% after it said demand for pricier homes above £600,000 had been weaker than expected, with "more aspirational" properties struggling to sell as confidence wanes among discretionary buyers.

The Guardian - Business

The most willing participant is Claire's mother, Lena Kathleen Chalfantt), although as the staff begins putting the family through a series of exercises aimed at exorcising Claire's demons, Lena's confidence wanes, and she begins making peremptory demands to see everybody's credentials.

The New York Times

Yet now share prices have slumped and the central bank has been forced to reassure financial markets that a wave of defaults in the sector will not hurt the banks, which have about 7% of their loans to the power industry, mainly to generation firms.The true cost to the country is not a few bad debts but a reduction in long-term investment plans as confidence wanes.

The Economist

As consumer confidence wanes, well, so will consuming.

Forbes

Consumer confidence wanes in struggling airlines, especially following the sudden closure of Denmark's Primera Air.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

In 1842 43, Bauer confidently predicted the triumph of republican principles and institutions, though this confidence waned as the political crisis deepened.

SEP

Italy remains in recession while France has seen confidence wane.

The Guardian - Business

With Derrick Dial at the point for the Nets, the pace slowed and the confidence waned.

The New York Times - Sports

The Giants lost more than they won for the next two seasons, injuries mounted, confidence waned.

The New York Times - Sports

His form suffered as confidence waned, with the adjustment to new surroundings proving a difficult process.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "confidence wanes" to describe situations where there is a gradual decrease in belief or self-assurance, often due to negative experiences or lack of progress. For example, "After repeated failures, the team's confidence wanes."

Common error

Avoid using "confidence wanes" to describe sudden or immediate losses of confidence; instead, use "confidence plummets" or "confidence drops". Also, do not use it in situations where confidence is increasing or remaining stable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "confidence wanes" functions as a statement indicating a gradual decline or reduction in someone's belief in their abilities or the likelihood of success. Ludwig AI shows several examples of this phrase being used in diverse contexts to express this specific meaning.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "confidence wanes" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to describe a gradual decline in assurance or belief. Ludwig AI confirms its prevalence across various contexts, primarily in news and media, as well as formal business and scientific writing. While suitable for formal use, it’s important to use it in scenarios where there is a gradual decline rather than an immediate loss of confidence. Consider alternatives like "confidence diminishes" or "assurance dwindles" to add nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

confidence diminishes

Emphasizes a gradual reduction in confidence.

confidence fades

Suggests a loss of confidence over time, like a fading memory.

confidence declines

A more formal way of expressing a reduction in confidence.

confidence drops

Indicates a sudden decrease in confidence.

assurance dwindles

Highlights a decrease in certainty or conviction.

belief erodes

Suggests a gradual destruction of faith or trust.

optimism fades

Focuses on the reduction of a positive outlook or hope.

faith diminishes

Indicates a weakening of trust or conviction.

hope fades

Similar to "optimism fades", but emphasizes the loss of hope.

certainty declines

Emphasizes the loss of sureness or conviction.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "confidence wanes" in a sentence?

Use "confidence wanes" to illustrate a gradual decrease in someone's belief in their abilities or the likelihood of a positive outcome, often due to repeated setbacks or discouraging news. For example, "As the project fell further behind schedule, the team's "confidence wanes"".

What are some alternatives to "confidence wanes"?

Alternatives to "confidence wanes" include "confidence diminishes", "confidence fades", or "assurance dwindles". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "confidence wanes" in formal writing?

Yes, "confidence wanes" is appropriate for formal writing. It is a clear and professional way to describe a decline in assurance or belief. However, be mindful of the specific context and choose the most precise alternative if needed.

What's the difference between "confidence wanes" and "confidence is lost"?

"Confidence wanes" implies a gradual decrease, while "confidence is lost" suggests a more sudden or complete disappearance of confidence. The first indicates a process, while the second indicates a result.