low turnout

USAGE SUMMARY

"low turnout" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the amount of people who show up for something, such as an event or election. For example: "The local election saw a surprisingly low turnout this year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Low turnout hurts Democrats.

The Economist

It'll be low turnout.

The New Yorker

Low turnout undoubtedly played a role.

The New Yorker

First, special elections often have low turnout.

The New York Times

Pollsters are predicting a record low turnout.

The Guardian

I'm disappointed by the low turnout.

The Guardian

There was talk of low turnout.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

It will remain a low-turnout affair.

The New York Times

June 3rd will be an altogether sleepier, low-turnout affair.

The New Yorker

"Republicans are more likely to win low-turnout elections.

The New Yorker

And in low-turnout primaries, anything can happen.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing elections or events, provide specific numbers or percentages to quantify the "low turnout" and illustrate its significance.

Common error

Avoid assuming drastic consequences from a "low turnout" without supporting data or analysis. The actual impact may vary depending on the context and other contributing factors.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "low turnout" functions as a noun phrase, where "low" is an adjective modifying the noun "turnout". Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. It commonly describes the participation rate in events like elections, meetings, or other gatherings.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Academia

8%

Science

4%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "low turnout" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe situations where participation is less than expected, primarily in elections and events. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely accepted and understood. Analysis of various sources reveals its frequent use in News & Media and Academia. When using this phrase, it's crucial to provide context and quantify the level of participation to fully convey the significance. While "low turnout" is neutral in register, overstating its impact without evidence should be avoided. Understanding its function and purpose ensures effective communication in both formal and informal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

poor voter participation

Emphasizes the lack of involvement from eligible voters.

reduced voter engagement

Highlights the diminished interest and activity among voters.

meager participation rate

Focuses on the small percentage of people who participated.

limited public involvement

Broader term referring to the insufficient participation of the public.

thinly attended event

Describes an event with very few attendees.

sparse attendance figures

Emphasizes the scarcity of attendees based on recorded numbers.

lackluster participation

Indicates a general lack of enthusiasm and involvement.

disappointing attendance levels

Highlights the failure to meet expected participation numbers.

subdued voter enthusiasm

Suggests a weak level of excitement among potential voters.

anemic participation

Implies a weak and insufficient level of engagement.

FAQs

What does "low turnout" mean in the context of an election?

In an election, "low turnout" refers to a situation where a small proportion of eligible voters actually cast their ballots. This can affect the legitimacy and representativeness of the election results.

What factors typically contribute to a "low turnout"?

Several factors can lead to a "low turnout", including voter apathy, dissatisfaction with candidates or issues, barriers to voting, and lack of awareness about the election.

What are some potential consequences of a "low turnout"?

A "low turnout" can lead to election outcomes that do not accurately reflect the preferences of the entire electorate, potentially resulting in policies that favor specific groups or interests. It also affects the legitimacy of institutions.

What are some phrases similar to "low turnout"?

You can use alternatives like "poor voter participation", "reduced voter engagement", or "meager participation rate" depending on the context.