definite weakness

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "definite weakness" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a specific and clear area of vulnerability or lack of strength in a person, system, or argument. Example: "The report highlighted a definite weakness in the company's cybersecurity measures that needs to be addressed immediately."

✓ Grammatically correct

Health

Sport

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

A definite weakness.

The New York Times - Health

I think the team's decent but we've got a big problem at right back, I think Glen Johnson is a definite weakness.

The Guardian - Sport

It would be a definite weakness if the purpose had been to compare the different countries, but this was not the case: Eurolight's endeavour was aimed at estimating the impact of headache in Europe and, from that point of view, the mix of methods was not undesirable.

The Journal of Headache and Pain

A definite weakness of this study is the need for the daily subcutaneous injection of liraglutide.

BMJ Open

I would choose the exercise group because they have definite weakness and you can see benefits of them going to an exercise group and when you hear the feedback from people going to exercise groups it might be that I'm sure it has, it reduces their fear of falling and it might not but they are much more confident, they're going outside, they're going on walks, it's really changed their lives".

BMC Health Services Research

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Baum believes England have definite weaknesses: "[Graeme] Swann lost much of his aura, and [Steve] Finn was reduced to a shambling wreck, meaning Anderson had to bowl more than he should, and England may pay a price later in the series".

The Guardian - Sport

Callandra Cochrane of Citizens for Public Justice said that such a plan "has become an imperative in order to ensure the protection of victims and effectively combat human trafficking," but that Smith's proposal had "definite weaknesses that need to be strengthened".

Wikipedia

This is because one patient exhibited prominent contracture of ankle and elbow joints, another patient presented hyperCKemia without definite muscle weakness, and the other patient showed minimal inflammatory cell infiltration on muscle pathology.

Neuromuscular Disorders

Not definitive, just definite.

The New York Times

For CIP, definite diagnosis requires in addition clinical weakness.

F1000Research

Anyone who pays tax, however distantly, does technically pay for that and within this story there are definite shades of hypocrisy, indignity and carnal weakness.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "definite weakness", ensure it's followed by a specific explanation or example of the weakness to provide context and clarity for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "definite weakness" to describe minor or negligible issues. Reserve it for situations where the weakness has a clear and substantial impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "definite weakness" functions primarily as a noun phrase that identifies a specific and apparent shortcoming or area of vulnerability. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Health

20%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "definite weakness" is a grammatically sound and usable expression for pinpointing specific shortcomings or vulnerabilities. Ludwig AI supports its validity and utility in writing. While relatively rare, its usage is consistent across diverse contexts like news, science, and health. When employing this phrase, provide specific details to avoid ambiguity. Consider alternatives like "clear vulnerability" or "distinct disadvantage" for nuanced expression. Remember to reserve "definite weakness" for significant issues to maintain its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

clear vulnerability

Replaces "weakness" with "vulnerability", emphasizing the susceptibility to harm or attack.

critical vulnerability

Elevates the importance of the weakness, suggesting it poses a significant risk.

distinct disadvantage

Focuses on the competitive aspect, highlighting a specific factor that puts someone at a disadvantage.

obvious flaw

Highlights a noticeable imperfection or fault.

pronounced deficiency

Emphasizes the significant lack or shortage of something.

marked shortcoming

Similar to "obvious flaw", but with a slightly more formal tone.

explicit frailty

Replaces "weakness" with "frailty", highlighting a delicate or fragile aspect.

significant failing

Focuses on a notable failure or area of underperformance.

major limitation

Highlights a substantial restriction or constraint.

notable area of concern

Shifts the focus to something that requires attention or worry due to its weakness.

FAQs

How can I use "definite weakness" in a sentence?

You can use "definite weakness" to point out a specific shortcoming. For example: "The team's "definite weakness" is their defense" or "A "definite weakness" of the study is the small sample size".

What are some alternatives to "definite weakness"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases such as "clear vulnerability", "distinct disadvantage", or "obvious flaw" as alternatives to "definite weakness".

Is it better to say "clear weakness" or "definite weakness"?

Both "clear weakness" and "definite weakness" are grammatically correct and convey a similar meaning. The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to express; "definite" implies certainty, while "clear" implies ease of perception.

In what contexts is "definite weakness" commonly used?

"Definite weakness" is frequently used in discussions of sports, health, and research to highlight specific vulnerabilities or shortcomings. You can also encounter it in reports, analyses, and evaluations across various fields.