low on confidence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "low on confidence" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe someone who lacks self-assurance or self-esteem. Example: After losing his job, John was feeling low on confidence and struggled to find the motivation to start his job search.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"The manager is going to change up the team over the games, get players game-time so there's that element to it, but there's no reason whatsoever why we should be low on confidence after one game.

The Guardian - Sport

Wigan went into the game low on confidence with just one win from their previous 12 encounters and their spirits took a further hammering when they went behind after eight minutes.

BBC

"We probably had too many players out of form at one time and the squad is low on confidence.

BBC

Cologne were high on atmosphere yet low on confidence.

The Guardian - Sport

I get very down, very low on confidence.

Independent

A team low on confidence is never going to get a result with only 10 men.

The Guardian - Sport

England, low on confidence and with a fanbase divided, could do with a spot of that.

The Guardian - Sport

Championship side Reading haven't won in three games and are low on confidence.

The Guardian - Sport

"I was low on confidence, in denial and did not engage with team-mates or coaches.

The Guardian - Sport

Low on confidence and surrounded by scandal, there could be no better time to play them.

The Guardian - Sport

"We had a tough winter, and we were pretty low on confidence.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a team or group, use "low on confidence" to highlight a shared lack of self-belief that affects performance. This is especially effective in sports or competitive contexts.

Common error

Don't assume that someone "low on confidence" is necessarily unskilled. Confidence is a state of mind, while skill is a measure of competence. An individual may possess the skills but still lack the self-belief to execute them effectively.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "low on confidence" functions as a descriptive adjective phrase. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. It typically modifies a noun or pronoun, indicating a deficiency in self-assurance or self-belief. It's prevalent in describing individuals or teams.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "low on confidence" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe a state of diminished self-assurance. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it functions as an adjective phrase, typically modifying a noun or pronoun. Its primary purpose is to communicate a lack of self-belief, often explaining poor performance or hesitation. The phrase is most frequently found in news and media contexts, indicating its neutral register. When using this phrase, remember that a lack of confidence does not necessarily equate to a lack of skill. Consider using alternatives like "lacking in self-assurance" or "devoid of self-belief" to fine-tune the specific meaning you intend to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lacking in self-assurance

Focuses on the absence of self-assurance, a key component of confidence.

devoid of self-belief

Emphasizes the lack of belief in one's own capabilities.

feeling insecure

Highlights the emotional state associated with a lack of confidence.

experiencing self-doubt

Focuses on the internal questioning and uncertainty associated with low confidence.

wanting in conviction

Stresses the absence of strong belief or certainty.

uncertain of oneself

Directly states a lack of certainty about one's abilities or worth.

unassured of success

Specifically addresses the lack of confidence in achieving a positive outcome.

suffering from diminished self-esteem

Indicates a lowered sense of self-worth and value.

lacking faith in one's abilities

Highlights the absence of trust in one's own skills and talents.

hesitant and unsure

Emphasizes the behavioral manifestations of a lack of confidence.

FAQs

How can I use "low on confidence" in a sentence?

You can use "low on confidence" to describe a person or group lacking self-assurance. For example, "After the series of failures, the team was "low on confidence"".

What are some alternatives to saying "low on confidence"?

Alternatives include "lacking in self-assurance", "devoid of self-belief", or "feeling insecure". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "low in confidence" instead of "low on confidence"?

While "low in confidence" might be understood, "low on confidence" is the more common and idiomatic expression.

What's the difference between "low on confidence" and "lacking confidence"?

"Low on confidence" suggests a temporary state or a reduction in existing confidence, whereas "lacking confidence" /s/lacking+confidence suggests a complete absence or a more fundamental deficiency.