looks weak

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "looks weak" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that appears to lack strength, effectiveness, or robustness, often in a figurative sense. Example: "The argument he presented looks weak and fails to convince the audience."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Looks weak.

The New Yorker

Obama looks weak!

The New Yorker

Who looks weak?

The New York Times

Farmajo looks weak.

The New Yorker

He looks weak and hungry.

The Guardian

But Saks still looks weak.

The New York Times

But suddenly he looks weak.

The Guardian - Books

And without that card, Mr Rajapaksa's hand looks weak.

The Economist

But the case for government activism looks weak.

The Economist

Even the cocktail waiter looks weak and watery.

The New Yorker

Her face is gaunt, and she looks weak.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "looks weak" to describe a situation or argument, provide specific reasons or evidence to support the assessment. This strengthens your claim and makes it more persuasive.

Common error

Avoid using "looks weak" without providing context or objective criteria. Ensure your assessment is grounded in tangible observations rather than personal biases.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "looks weak" primarily functions as a subjective assessment, indicating a perceived lack of strength, efficacy, or robustness. Ludwig examples showcase its use across diverse subjects, from political figures to economic trends. It often expresses an opinion based on observation or analysis.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

87%

Formal & Business

7%

Science

6%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "looks weak" is a frequently used phrase to describe something perceived as lacking strength or effectiveness. According to Ludwig, its grammatical correctness allows its use in various contexts, particularly in news and media. While generally neutral, it's essential to provide supporting evidence when using it to ensure clarity and avoid subjective bias. Alternatives include "appears vulnerable" or "seems ineffective". Keep in mind it's essential not to over-rely on subjective judgment, basing the assessment on tangible observations rather than personal biases.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

appears vulnerable

Focuses on the impression of susceptibility to harm or attack.

seems ineffective

Emphasizes a lack of positive results or desired impact.

presents a frail image

Highlights the outward appearance of fragility.

projects vulnerability

Focuses on the conveyance of a vulnerable state.

comes across as feeble

Highlights the impression of being weak or ineffective in character.

appears deficient

Emphasizes a lack of necessary qualities or elements.

seems fragile

Stresses the potential for easy breakage or collapse.

gives the impression of weakness

Focuses on the overall perception of lacking strength.

is perceived as vulnerable

Highlights how something is regarded by others in terms of its vulnerability.

is considered feeble

Indicates a judgment of inadequacy or ineffectiveness.

FAQs

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

You can use "looks weak" to describe something that appears to lack strength or effectiveness, for example, "The argument he presented "looks weak" and fails to convince the audience."

What are some alternatives to saying "looks weak"?

Alternatives include "appears vulnerable", "seems ineffective", or "presents a frail image" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "looks weak" or "seems weak"?

Both "looks weak" and "seems weak" are grammatically correct and convey a similar meaning. The choice between them often comes down to personal preference or stylistic considerations.

What does it mean when someone says a strategy "looks weak"?

When a strategy "looks weak", it implies that the strategy is likely to fail because it has flaws or vulnerabilities that can be easily exploited.