getting weaker

USAGE SUMMARY

"getting weaker" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is a gerund phrase, which means it functions as a noun and describes an ongoing action or state. You can use "getting weaker" to describe a gradual decline in someone's physical or emotional strength or a decrease in the effectiveness of something. Example: As she struggled to lift the heavy box, Jane's arms were getting weaker with each passing minute. In this sentence, "getting weaker" describes the continuous process of Jane's arms becoming less strong.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Trade unions are getting weaker.

The Economist

It is getting weaker.

The New Yorker

Gradually, I'm getting weaker.

The New York Times - Health

"Political parties are getting weaker.

The New York Times

"I think they are getting weaker.

The New York Times

I think he's getting weaker".

The New York Times

A weak union getting weaker.

The Washington Post

AT&T meanwhile is getting weaker.

The Economist

Hazel could feel them getting weaker.

The New Yorker

The country is getting weaker and weaker".

The New York Times

Workplace communities are getting weaker and weaker.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing abstract concepts like economies or political movements, use "getting weaker" to suggest a loss of influence or stability. For example: "The movement's momentum is getting weaker as internal conflicts arise."

Common error

While versatile, "getting weaker" can sound informal in some academic or professional contexts. Opt for more precise alternatives like "declining in strength" or "experiencing a reduction in efficacy" for a more polished tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "getting weaker" functions as a verb phrase, specifically a continuous form, indicating an ongoing process of decline. As Ludwig AI confirms, it correctly describes a gradual reduction in strength or effectiveness. Examples include describing a patient's deteriorating health or a country's economic decline.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Science

12%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "getting weaker" is a versatile and common expression used to describe a gradual decline in strength, power, or effectiveness. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and widely used. Its presence across diverse sources, particularly news and media, underscores its general applicability. While suitable for most contexts, more formal alternatives may be preferred in academic or highly professional settings. Common errors involve overuse in formal writing, where more precise synonyms may be more appropriate. Remember to consider the specific context when using "getting weaker" to ensure the tone and meaning are accurately conveyed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

declining in strength

More formal and emphasizes a reduction in physical or metaphorical power.

deteriorating

Emphasizes a progressive worsening of condition or quality.

becoming frail

Focuses specifically on physical weakness or fragility, often associated with age.

losing potency

Highlights a reduction in effectiveness or power, often used for medicines or arguments.

diminishing

Implies a gradual decrease in size, importance, or intensity.

eroding

Focuses on a gradual wearing away or destruction, often used metaphorically.

fading away

Suggests a gradual disappearance or loss of vitality.

on the wane

Idiomatic expression indicating a decline in power, influence, or popularity.

giving way

Suggests a collapse or failure due to increasing pressure or weakness.

collapsing

Implies a sudden and complete failure or loss of strength.

FAQs

How can I use "getting weaker" in a sentence?

You can use "getting weaker" to describe a gradual decline in strength, be it physical, economic, or political. For example, "The patient's condition is getting weaker" or "The economy is getting weaker due to the recession".

What are some alternatives to "getting weaker"?

You can use alternatives like "declining in strength", "diminishing", or "deteriorating", depending on the specific context you want to convey.

Is "getting weaker" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "getting weaker" might sound informal in highly formal contexts. Consider using more sophisticated synonyms like "declining in potency" or "losing efficacy" for academic or professional documents.

What's the difference between "getting weaker" and "weakening"?

"Getting weaker" describes an ongoing process of becoming less strong, while "weakening" can refer to the process itself or the result of becoming weak. For example, "The storm is getting weaker" describes the current state, while "The storm is weakening" describes the action.