limited efficacy

USAGE SUMMARY

"limited efficacy" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or action that has some effect, but not as much as is desired or expected. Example: The new medication showed limited efficacy in treating the disease, as only 50% of patients reported positive results.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This regimen has several limitations; these include its limited efficacy and cumulative haematological toxicity.

British Journal of Cancer

"Hypnotism, for example, has gone from being just ugga-bugga to something with some legitimacy and limited efficacy.

The Guardian - Books

The traditional models and conventional prescriptions that comprise the mental furniture of politicians and officials are of limited efficacy in this conflagration.

The Guardian - Opinion

Current treatments are often invasive with limited efficacy.

Biomaterials

Conservative treatment for juvenile obesity often shows limited efficacy.

Appetite

She has cycled through various anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressants over the years with limited efficacy.

Clinical and Translational Medicine

The existing BCG vaccine is cheap, safe, widely used but of limited efficacy.

BBC

Although Belsomra was approved by the FDA, clinical trials found it has somewhat limited efficacy in treating insomnia.

Huffington Post

The opponents will insist that flibanserin is a proverbial "tough pill to swallow," citing limited efficacy for a limited population.

Huffington Post

The report states that unless this practice is stopped, the ALP will be of limited efficacy as a village security force.

Huffington Post

This would explain the limited efficacy of sub-unit CSP based vaccines [11].

Plosone

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "limited efficacy", clearly specify what the limitations are and provide context for the extent of the efficacy. For example, "The treatment showed "limited efficacy" in patients with advanced stages of the disease".

Common error

Avoid using "limited efficacy" when there is no efficacy at all. The phrase implies that there is some positive effect, albeit a small one. If something is completely ineffective, use stronger language such as "ineffective" or "futile".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "limited efficacy" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun, often referring to a treatment, drug, or intervention. Ludwig examples show it's used to describe the degree to which something produces a desired result, indicating that the outcome is less than ideal.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

79%

News & Media

15%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "limited efficacy" is a common and grammatically sound expression, primarily used in scientific and medical contexts to describe a situation where something has some positive effect, but not as much as desired. Ludwig's analysis indicates its prevalence in scientific literature, with examples illustrating its application in evaluating treatments, medications, and strategies. While the term is generally "correct", remember to provide context about what the limitations are and to avoid overstating ineffectiveness. Alternatives such as ""limited effectiveness"" or ""modest efficacy"" can be used depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

limited effectiveness

Replaces "efficacy" with "effectiveness", a direct synonym focusing on the degree to which something produces a desired result.

finite efficacy

Emphasizes that the efficacy is not unlimited or unbounded, suggesting a measurable constraint.

narrow efficacy

Indicates that the efficacy is limited to a specific range or set of conditions.

modest efficacy

Highlights that the efficacy is not substantial or remarkable, but rather moderate.

small efficacy

Directly conveys that the extent of efficacy is minimal.

restricted efficacy

Suggests constraints or boundaries on the efficacy, preventing it from being fully realized.

marginal efficacy

Implies that the efficacy is barely sufficient or significant.

suboptimal efficacy

Indicates that the efficacy is below the optimal or desired level.

partial efficacy

Implies the efficacy is incomplete or only affects a portion of the intended outcome.

reduced efficacy

Directly states that the efficacy has been lessened or diminished.

FAQs

What does "limited efficacy" mean?

The phrase "limited efficacy" means that something has some degree of effectiveness, but not as much as desired or expected. It suggests that the effect is less than optimal.

How can I use "limited efficacy" in a sentence?

You can use "limited efficacy" to describe the results of a treatment, medication, or strategy. For example: "The vaccine showed "limited efficacy" against certain strains of the virus."

What are some alternatives to "limited efficacy"?

You can use alternatives like "limited effectiveness", "modest efficacy", or "suboptimal efficacy" depending on the specific context.

Is "limited efficacy" the same as "no efficacy"?

No, "limited efficacy" implies some degree of effectiveness, whereas "no efficacy" means that there is absolutely no effect or benefit.