reveal weakness

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "reveal weakness" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where someone or something is disclosing vulnerabilities or shortcomings. Example: "In negotiations, it's important not to reveal weakness, as it can be exploited by the other party."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

But, in hindsight, his refusal to reveal weakness to his wife was more worrying: he never shared his "secret self" with his family.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Several initiatives proposed by the scientific community to address this issue reveal weakness, particularly by relying on the MO for the responsibility in triggering the mobility process.

Computer Networks

Linda Duessel, a market strategist at Federated Investors in Pittsburgh, noting that G.E. is known for its dependability in meeting Wall Street's forecasts, said that its drop in profits suggests that other first-quarter results could reveal weakness well beyond the financial industry.

The New York Times

Despite the emergence of Europe, China and India as soft powers, none has the equipment or the will to take on the problem-tackling role that only America traditionally performs in the region.Do these shifts in American policy reveal weakness, flexibility or a renewed realism?

The Economist

Experiences from the massive blackouts can improve confidence in the Chinese power system but also reveal weakness in that system.

Journal of Modern Power Systems and Clean Energy

I think that the first few months of this year may look better than expected but that the second half will reveal weakness across nearly all sectors.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

As classic controller, pole placement approach is suggested and results reveal weaknesses in modeling the uncertainties.

Robotics and Autonomous Systems

Undertaking a granular analysis and assessment of the company's current state can reveal weaknesses that activists might latch onto.

Harvard University

Shodan doesn't do anything other than reveal weaknesses that are already out there but that hasn't stopped it facing criticism.

The Guardian - Tech

These two quality attributes have the worst overall ratings and reveal weaknesses of NoSQL systems.

Journal of Big Data

Not only research but also drills and simulations can reveal weaknesses and help to improve an emergency plan.

Journal of Applied Volcanology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use “reveal weakness” when describing a vulnerability that becomes apparent through specific events or analysis. This emphasizes the unveiling of something previously hidden.

Common error

Avoid consistently using "reveal weakness" in contexts where a more constructive term like "identify areas for growth" would be more appropriate. Overuse can create an unnecessarily negative impression.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "reveal weakness" functions primarily as a verb phrase, where 'reveal' acts as a transitive verb taking 'weakness' as its direct object. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, indicating its proper usage in English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

33%

Academia

6%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "reveal weakness" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression that serves to disclose or expose a vulnerability. Ludwig AI confirms this assessment. Its usage spans various contexts, including news, science, and academia, maintaining a neutral register. While effective, it's crucial to consider the tone, avoiding overuse in negative contexts where more constructive language might be appropriate. Alternatives like "expose vulnerability" or "uncover deficiency" offer nuanced variations depending on the specific intent and context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

expose vulnerability

This alternative suggests a more direct and potentially forceful uncovering of a weakness.

uncover deficiency

This alternative emphasizes the discovery of a lack or inadequacy.

display vulnerability

This phrase suggests showing weakness rather than actively uncovering it.

manifest imperfection

This alternative is more formal and emphasizes the appearance of a flaw.

betray frailty

This implies an unintentional or unconscious revealing of weakness.

highlight limitation

This suggests focusing on specific restrictions or constraints.

divulge flaw

This alternative suggests revealing a specific imperfection or fault.

show inadequacy

This focuses on demonstrating a lack of sufficient quality or quantity.

signal defect

This implies that the weakness is communicated in a subtle or indirect way.

bring weakness to light

This alternative has an evocative and indirect tone, similar to 'reveal' but with more emphasis on the element of discovery.

FAQs

How can I use "reveal weakness" in a sentence?

You can use "reveal weakness" to describe situations where vulnerabilities are made apparent. For example: "The audit "revealed weaknesses" in the company's financial controls."

What are some alternatives to "reveal weakness"?

Alternatives to "reveal weakness" include "expose vulnerability", "uncover deficiency", or "display vulnerability", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to say "reveal weakness" or "highlight strength" in a performance review?

It depends on the context. While "reveal weakness" can be used to point out areas needing improvement, "highlight strength" focuses on positive aspects. Balancing both is crucial for effective feedback.

What is the difference between "reveal weakness" and "admit fault"?

"Reveal weakness" implies an uncovering of a vulnerability, whereas "admit fault" involves acknowledging a mistake or error. They are related but not interchangeable; one is about exposure, the other about accountability.