on a weak note

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "on a weak note" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation, performance, or conclusion that is lacking strength or impact. Example: "The presentation ended on a weak note, leaving the audience feeling unsatisfied."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

For December, a surge in imports of cheap oil meant the year ended on a weak note for trade.

The Guardian - Business

• Banking shares ended the year on a weak note, with dealers taking profits after an unexpected rally on Tuesday.

The Guardian - Business

But while the national economy added more than 100,000 jobs in December, the city ended 2010 on a weak note.

The New York Times

"Business investment appears to have started the second quarter on a weak note but should rebound over the final two months of the quarter," Mr. Ashworth said.

The New York Times

The stock market opened on a weak note after retailers reported mixed holiday sales and as the prospect of a new budget battle in Congress loomed.

The New York Times

Treasury prices ended on a weak note as investors sold the 30-year bond in favor of other issues such as the inflation-linked 30-year issues auctioned yesterday.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

I think the documentary ends on a little bit of a weak note.

Forbes

Only the butternut squash and pear bisque sounded a weak note.

The New York Times

The decline in sentiment shows that the 17-nation euro zone began the fourth quarter "on a very weak note," Jennifer McKeown, an economist in London with Capital Economics, wrote in a note.

The New York Times

U.S. home sales cratered in December, causing price growth to slip to the lowest level in nearly six years as the housing sector ended 2018 on a decidedly weak note.

Los Angeles Times

Every ragtime or jazz enthusiast knows that when you syncopate (from the Greek for "cut short"), you begin a note on a weak beat in the bar, sustaining it into the accented part, thereby shifting the accent.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "on a weak note" to describe situations where an initial start or final conclusion lacks strength, impact, or positive momentum. This phrase is especially useful when summarizing events or performances.

Common error

Avoid using "on a weak note" when the situation is outright disastrous or catastrophic. The phrase suggests a lack of strength, not a complete failure. If something ends terribly, consider stronger language like "ended in disaster" or "failed completely."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on a weak note" functions as an adverbial phrase, typically modifying a verb or clause to describe the manner in which something begins or concludes. As Ludwig AI points out, it indicates a lack of strength or positive momentum.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Business

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Academia

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "on a weak note" is a useful expression for describing situations that begin or end without significant strength or positive impact. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically sound and finds use across diverse contexts, although more commonly in news and business reporting. While generally appropriate, be mindful not to use it when a situation is a complete disaster, reserving it instead for scenarios that are merely underwhelming. Related phrases such as ""on a poor note"" or ""on a lackluster note"" can provide nuanced alternatives depending on the specific shade of meaning you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on a poor note

Replaces "weak" with "poor", suggesting a lower quality or standard.

on a shaky note

Substitutes "weak" with "shaky", implying instability or uncertainty.

on a lackluster note

Replaces "weak" with "lackluster", indicating a lack of enthusiasm or energy.

on a sluggish note

Substitutes "weak" with "sluggish", suggesting slow or inactive progress.

on a low note

Replaces "weak" with "low", indicating a negative or disappointing outcome.

on a disappointing note

Explicitly uses "disappointing" to convey the unsatisfactory nature of the conclusion.

with a whimper

Uses a metaphorical phrase to describe a quiet and anticlimactic end.

in a feeble manner

Emphasizes the lack of strength or effectiveness in the action or outcome.

in an underwhelming fashion

Highlights the failure to impress or excite.

without much impact

Focuses on the lack of influence or effect.

FAQs

How can I use "on a weak note" in a sentence?

You can use "on a weak note" to describe something that starts or ends without much strength or impact. For example, "The quarter ended "on a weak note" due to decreased sales.".

What can I say instead of "on a weak note"?

Alternatives include "on a poor note", "on a shaky note", or "on a lackluster note". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "on a weak note" in formal writing?

Yes, "on a weak note" is appropriate in formal writing, particularly when summarizing events or results in business or news contexts. It conveys a sense of underwhelming performance or outcome.

What's the difference between "on a weak note" and "on a sour note"?

"On a weak note" suggests a lack of strength or impact, while "on a sour note" implies negativity or unpleasantness. Use "on a weak note" when something is underwhelming, and "on a sour note" when something is disagreeable or unpleasant.