feeble justification

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "feeble justification" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a weak or inadequate reason for an action or decision. Example: "His explanation for missing the deadline was a feeble justification that did not convince anyone."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

A feeble justification.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Hearing the feeble justifications from the American President and Vice President, including the invention of a new euphemism, "enhanced interrogation", was the second view.

Huffington Post

We can, however, roll our eyes at Leni Riefenstahl's feeble self-justification.

The New York Times - Magazine

Do I really need to refute that feeble self-justification, "If I don't, somebody else will"?

The New York Times - Magazine

Again, we hope that the Board does not accept this feeble attempt at "spin" as a justification for Ms. Hart's misrepresentations.

The New York Times

Portugal's delegate said the justifications for delisting were "feeble" and would set an "unacceptable precedent.

Science Magazine

The justifications offered for such censorship are feeble.

The New York Times

As for the White House's feeble defence of her qualifications, it brings to mind the infamous justification for Richard Nixon's nominee, Harold Carswell: "Even if he is mediocre, there are a lot of mediocre judges and people and lawyers.

The Economist

Feeble labeling.

The New York Times

How feeble!

The Guardian - Opinion

Feeble stuff.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When critiquing an argument, using "feeble justification" can precisely pinpoint the weakness in reasoning without resorting to overly aggressive language. This maintains a professional tone while clearly expressing disagreement.

Common error

While "feeble justification" is appropriate in formal and semi-formal settings, it may sound overly stiff or pretentious in casual conversation. Consider using more natural alternatives like "lame excuse" or "weak reason" when speaking with friends or family.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "feeble justification" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where the adjective "feeble" modifies the noun "justification". According to Ludwig, this phrase is usable in written English for describing weak or inadequate reasons. The examples illustrate its use in contexts requiring critical assessment.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "feeble justification" is a valid and useful phrase for expressing that a reason or explanation is weak or inadequate. Ludwig confirms its usability in written English. While appropriate for formal and semi-formal contexts like news and analytical writing, more casual alternatives might be preferable in informal settings. Key takeaways include using the phrase to precisely critique arguments and avoiding overuse in everyday conversation. Related phrases such as "inadequate justification" and "poor justification" offer similar meanings with slight variations in tone and intensity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

inadequate justification

Replaces "feeble" with "inadequate", emphasizing the insufficiency of the justification.

thin justification

Uses "thin" instead of "feeble" to convey the insubstantial nature of the justification.

poor justification

Substitutes "feeble" with "poor", highlighting the low quality of the justification.

tenuous justification

Replaces "feeble" with "tenuous", indicating a justification that is fragile and easily challenged.

hollow justification

Uses "hollow" instead of "feeble" to suggest that the justification lacks substance or sincerity.

weak rationale

Replaces both "feeble" and "justification" with synonyms, resulting in a more formal tone.

flimsy excuse

Shifts from "justification" to "excuse", suggesting a less formal and potentially dishonest reason.

unsatisfactory rationale

Substitutes with more formal vocabulary to express inadequacy.

unconvincing explanation

Substitutes "justification" with "explanation" and "feeble" with "unconvincing", focusing on the lack of persuasiveness.

lame excuse

Replaces "feeble justification" with a more colloquial expression implying a weak and uninspired reason.

FAQs

What does "feeble justification" mean?

The phrase "feeble justification" refers to a reason or explanation that is weak, inadequate, or unconvincing. It implies that the given justification lacks substance or is easily refuted.

What are some synonyms for "feeble justification"?

Some synonyms for "feeble justification" include "inadequate justification", "poor justification", "weak rationale", and "flimsy excuse".

How can I use "feeble justification" in a sentence?

You can use "feeble justification" to critique an argument or excuse. For example, "The company's explanation for the data breach was a feeble justification that failed to satisfy the public."

Is it appropriate to use "feeble justification" in formal writing?

Yes, "feeble justification" is appropriate for formal and semi-formal writing. It is a precise and professional way to express the inadequacy of a reason or explanation. However, in informal settings, consider using alternatives such as "weak excuse" or "lame excuse".