diminished confidence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "diminished confidence" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a reduction in self-assurance or belief in one's abilities or decisions. Example: "After receiving critical feedback on her presentation, she experienced diminished confidence in her public speaking skills."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

"Headwinds that previously held back the economy – including adverse credit conditions and diminished confidence – have eased.

The Guardian - Business

A possible greater cost of these scrip shenanigans is diminished confidence in the greenback.

The New Yorker

Mr. Kim said the losses had "diminished confidence in our party an d disappointed party members and supporters".

The New York Times

The betting line dropped as the fight approached, a sign of diminished confidence in Mayweather — or the usual wishful thinking.

The New York Times - Sports

Weak data from major economies in recent weeks have diminished confidence in a strong rebound from last year's recession.

The New York Times

Treasury experts said the lack of coordination inside the Trump administration sent confusing signals to the market and diminished confidence in the U.S. sanctions regime.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

The diminishing confidence in economic policies7.

The Economist

This battle certainly diminishes confidence in China's promises and offers little stability for Hong Kong.

Yale University

In a darkened room in a posh Paris hotel, he tries, with diminishing confidence, to finish writing a book.

The New Yorker

If so, this could create something of a feedback loop, with diminishing confidence in Mr. Obama, diminishing confidence in the economy, and an actual decline in economic performance all reinforcing one another.

The New York Times

The lack of a reliable goalscorer – not to say a forthcoming visit to Old Trafford – diminishes confidence in a similar revival.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "diminished confidence" to accurately convey a reduction in self-assurance or trust, particularly when discussing emotional or psychological states.

Common error

While generally acceptable, avoid overuse of "diminished confidence" in highly formal or technical writing. Consider stronger, more precise alternatives like "reduced certainty" or "weakened conviction" for greater impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "diminished confidence" functions as a noun phrase, where "diminished" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "confidence". It describes a state of reduced self-assurance or trust, a concept Ludwig AI confirms as grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Science

29%

Academia

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "diminished confidence" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase to describe a reduction in self-assurance or trust. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for various contexts, including news, science, and academic writing. While generally acceptable, consider stronger alternatives for highly formal settings. Common causes of "diminished confidence" include repeated failures or negative feedback. By understanding its nuances and contexts, you can effectively use "diminished confidence" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reduced self-assurance

Focuses on the internal feeling of reduced certainty in oneself.

waning belief

Highlights the decreasing conviction in something or someone.

declining faith

Emphasizes the loss of trust or reliance.

eroding certainty

Focuses on the gradual destruction of a feeling of sureness.

weakened resolve

Indicates a reduced determination or strength of purpose.

lessened conviction

Emphasizes the reduced strength of a firmly held belief.

shaken self-belief

Highlights the unsettling or undermining of one's trust in their own abilities.

dwindling trust

Focuses on the decreasing reliance on someone or something.

plummeting morale

Emphasizes a drastic decrease in team spirit or enthusiasm.

fading optimism

Highlights the gradual disappearance of a positive outlook.

FAQs

How can I use "diminished confidence" in a sentence?

You can use "diminished confidence" to describe a reduction in someone's belief in their abilities or the likelihood of a positive outcome. For example, "The team's recent losses led to "diminished confidence" among its members."

What are some alternatives to "diminished confidence"?

Alternatives include "reduced self-assurance", "waning belief", or "declining faith", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "diminished confidence" appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, "diminished confidence" is generally appropriate, but consider more precise alternatives like "weakened resolve" or "lessened conviction" for increased impact in highly formal contexts.

What causes "diminished confidence"?

"Diminished confidence" can result from various factors, including repeated failures, negative feedback, or stressful situations. Understanding the cause can help address the issue effectively. For example, a lack of preparation might lead to "shaken self-belief".