muscle weakness

USAGE SUMMARY

"muscle weakness" is correct and usable in written English.
It is a term used to refer to the inability to exert force with one's muscles due to lack of strength. For example, "Due to the disease, the patient experienced muscle weakness in his legs."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Muscle weakness.

The Guardian

He's got a little muscle weakness".

The New Yorker

This can cause muscle weakness and pain.

The Economist

Other symptoms include muscle weakness and pain.

Encyclopedia Britannica

There can also be muscle weakness.

The Guardian

Low levels of vitamin D cause muscle weakness.

The Guardian - Opinion

Mr. Cantore cannot open a jar because of muscle weakness.

The New York Times

Myasthenia gravis also afflicts motor nerves and causes muscle weakness.

The New York Times

Vitamin D levels below 30nmol/litre cause muscle weakness.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

In these conditions severe muscle weakness progresses slowly.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Fatigue, muscle weakness, and weight loss are common symptoms.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing specific instances of "muscle weakness", specify the affected muscle groups and any associated symptoms for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "muscle weakness" interchangeably with fatigue. "Muscle weakness" refers to a reduced ability to exert force, while fatigue is a general feeling of tiredness or lack of energy. They can co-occur, but are distinct conditions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "muscle weakness" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as a symptom or condition in medical contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is used to refer to the inability to exert force with one's muscles due to lack of strength.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

48%

News & Media

32%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "muscle weakness" is a noun phrase widely used to describe a reduction in muscular strength, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It commonly appears in scientific, medical, and general health contexts. Its function is primarily descriptive, often serving to report symptoms or conditions. While usage can span from formal scientific discourse to neutral news reporting, understanding its specific context helps ensure clarity. Key related phrases include "loss of muscle strength" and "reduced muscle power". A best practice is to specify the affected muscle groups and associated symptoms for better clarity, and avoiding confusion with general fatigue is crucial.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

loss of muscle strength

Focuses on the loss of strength specifically in muscles.

diminished muscular capacity

Uses more formal language to describe reduced ability of muscles.

reduced muscle power

Emphasizes the reduction in the power output of muscles.

impaired muscle function

Highlights the compromised functionality of the muscles.

lack of muscular force

Directly indicates the absence of force production in muscles.

debilitated musculature

Uses a more descriptive term to indicate weakened muscle tissue.

muscular enfeeblement

Employs a formal and somewhat dated term for muscle weakness.

asthenia of muscles

Uses a medical term to refer to a condition of body weakness.

myasthenia

This is a medical term referring to muscle weakness, particularly in the context of myasthenia gravis.

hypotonia

Refers to reduced muscle tone, often related to muscle weakness.

FAQs

What are some common causes of "muscle weakness"?

Common causes of "muscle weakness" include neurological disorders, muscular dystrophies, electrolyte imbalances, and certain infections.

How is "muscle weakness" diagnosed?

Diagnosis of "muscle weakness" typically involves a physical exam, neurological assessment, blood tests, and possibly imaging studies like MRI or CT scans.

What's the difference between "muscle weakness" and fatigue?

"Muscle weakness" refers to reduced strength in muscles, while fatigue is a general feeling of tiredness. They may co-occur, but they aren't the same. Consider using alternatives to fatigue like "tiredness", "lethargy" or "exhaustion".

What can I say instead of "muscle weakness"?

You can use alternatives like "loss of muscle strength", "reduced muscle power" or "impaired muscle function" depending on the context.