exceedingly weak

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "exceedingly weak" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is very weak or lacking in strength, effectiveness, or intensity. Example: "The argument presented by the opposing team was exceedingly weak, failing to convince the judges."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

"She was exceedingly weak," Mr. Wortham said.

The New York Times

Manufacturing remains exceedingly weak around the world, a response to plummeting demand for goods.

The New York Times

But national identity turns out to be an exceedingly weak explanatory tool.

The New York Times - Books

His mastery of color led to revelatory feats with strong ultramarine blue and then, improbably, with exceedingly weak aqua.

The New Yorker

But this agreement is exceedingly weak: 50 years later, there are still 17,000 nukes in the arsenals of nine states.

The Guardian - Opinion

Ginsburg will peer through her glasses and tell a lawyer that his argument is "exceedingly weak," as she did in a case this fall.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

He was later exchanged and in the autumn of 1778, White returned to Winchester "by slow and painful efforts, exceedingly lame, weak and emaciated by acute and protracted suffering".

Wikipedia

Such an election would be reminiscent of Stalinist days: the government is exceedingly unpopular but the weak and fragmented opposition is hounded by the secret police.The government, backed by the Americans, is also trying to get the vast number of displaced people assembled in camps around the capital and other towns to return to their villages.

The Economist

Mr. James just released "For All We Know" (Impulse/Verve), a collaborative album with the Belgian pianist Jef Neve that's by far his weakest, an exceedingly decorous and unadventurous collection of standards that beg for room to breathe.

The New York Times - Arts

But still exceedingly wet.

The Guardian - Sport

But then the question of how such conditions should be construed becomes crucial, on pain of turning a weak sufficient condition into an exceedingly strong requirement.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "exceedingly weak", ensure the context clearly indicates what is weak. Avoid ambiguity by specifying the subject being described. For example, instead of "The argument was exceedingly weak", use "The defendant's argument was exceedingly weak".

Common error

Avoid using "exceedingly weak" when "weak" alone suffices. Overusing intensifiers can weaken your writing. For example, saying "The light was exceedingly weak" might be better stated as "The light was dim" depending on the intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "exceedingly weak" functions as an intensifier (exceedingly) modifying an adjective (weak). As Ludwig AI explains, this combination serves to emphasize a significant lack of strength, power, or effectiveness. Examples show it describing arguments, signals, and physical states.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Science

28%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "exceedingly weak" is a grammatically correct and relatively common expression used to describe something that is significantly lacking in strength or effectiveness. As Ludwig AI confirms, it can be used in a variety of contexts, although it is most frequently found in news and media and scientific publications. When using the phrase, ensure it is clear what is being described as weak and consider whether the emphasis provided by "exceedingly" is truly necessary. Consider alternatives like "very weak" or "extremely weak" to express similar meanings with slightly different emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

very weak

Replaces "exceedingly" with "very", reducing the emphasis on the degree of weakness.

extremely weak

Substitutes "exceedingly" with "extremely", offering a slightly different nuance in describing the intensity.

remarkably weak

Replaces "exceedingly" with "remarkably", focusing on the surprising aspect of the weakness.

exceptionally weak

Uses "exceptionally" instead of "exceedingly", highlighting the unusual degree of weakness.

extraordinarily weak

Employs "extraordinarily" to convey a more pronounced sense of unusual weakness compared to "exceedingly".

terribly weak

Replaces "exceedingly" with "terribly", indicating a strong and possibly unpleasant degree of weakness.

unduly weak

Uses "unduly" instead of "exceedingly", suggesting that the weakness is inappropriate or excessive.

incredibly weak

Substitutes "exceedingly" with "incredibly", emphasizing the surprising or hard-to-believe nature of the weakness.

particularly weak

Replaces "exceedingly" with "particularly", highlighting that the weakness is noteworthy or specific in some way.

noticeably weak

Implies the weakness is easily observed or apparent, shifting the focus slightly from the intensity to the visibility of the weakness.

FAQs

How can I use "exceedingly weak" in a sentence?

Use "exceedingly weak" to describe something that is notably lacking in strength or effectiveness. For example, "The evidence presented was "exceedingly weak", leading to the acquittal."

What are some alternatives to "exceedingly weak"?

You can use alternatives like "very weak", "extremely weak", or "remarkably weak" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. Each emphasizes the lack of strength to varying degrees.

Is it redundant to say something is "exceedingly weak"?

While "weak" alone can often suffice, "exceedingly weak" emphasizes a greater degree of weakness. Consider whether the added emphasis is necessary for your intended meaning.

What's the difference between "exceedingly weak" and "slightly weak"?

"Exceedingly weak" indicates a significant deficiency in strength or effectiveness, while "slightly weak" suggests a minor deficiency. The choice depends on the magnitude of the weakness you want to describe.