is weak in

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is weak in" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a lack of strength or proficiency in a particular area or subject. Example: "The team is weak in communication skills, which affects their overall performance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It is weak in high-tech.

The Economist

The law is weak in this regard.

The Guardian

(A third candidate, Steve Forbes, is weak in the polls).

The New York Times

Not her voice, which is weak in the middle registers.

The New Yorker

Syria's opposition is weak in a different way.

The New York Times

The Lima deal is weak in many respects.

The Guardian

Russia is weak in manufacturing, services and high-tech industries.

The Economist

"The UN is weak in protecting, but at least they provide food and water".

The Guardian

The chain of command is weak in some places, nonexistent in others.

The New York Times

By contrast, the Tory-led government is weak in the face of the powerful few.

The Guardian - Opinion

Hine, strong on fashion, architecture and design, is weak in other areas.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is weak in", clearly specify the area of weakness to provide context and avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of saying "The strategy is weak", say "The strategy is weak in its execution phase".

Common error

Avoid using "is weak in" without providing specific examples or evidence. Unsupported claims of weakness can undermine your credibility. Provide concrete details to substantiate your assessment.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is weak in" functions as a predicative adjective phrase, modifying a subject to indicate a deficiency or lack of strength in a specific area. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

25%

Science

43%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is weak in" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to point out deficiencies or areas lacking strength. As confirmed by Ludwig, it serves to highlight specific shortcomings, suitable for diverse contexts, from formal reports to casual discussions. Common synonyms include "lacks strength in" or "is deficient in". Ensure clarity by specifying the area of weakness to avoid vagueness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lacks strength in

This alternative directly states a deficiency in strength or capability.

is deficient in

This phrase highlights a lack or shortage of something necessary or desirable.

has shortcomings in

This option points out specific faults or weaknesses in a particular area.

underperforms in

Focuses on the failure to meet expected performance levels.

is not proficient in

Emphasizes a lack of skill or expertise in a specific domain.

is vulnerable in

Highlights susceptibility to harm or negative consequences in a certain area.

is susceptible to

This suggests a tendency to be affected by something negatively.

struggles with

This emphasizes difficulty or a hard time dealing with something.

falls short in

This indicates a failure to reach a required standard or level.

is inadequate for

This option describes being insufficient or not good enough for a particular purpose.

FAQs

How do I use "is weak in" in a sentence?

Use "is weak in" to describe a specific area where something or someone lacks strength or proficiency. For example, "The company "is weak in" marketing".

What are some alternatives to "is weak in"?

You can use alternatives like "lacks strength in", "is deficient in", or "has shortcomings in" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "is weak in" or "lacks strength in"?

Both "is weak in" and "lacks strength in" are acceptable. The best choice depends on the specific context and desired tone. "Lacks strength in" might sound slightly more formal.

Can "is weak in" be used to describe both people and things?

Yes, "is weak in" can describe both people and things. For example, "He "is weak in" mathematics" (person) and "The product "is weak in" design" (thing).