sign of weakness

USAGE SUMMARY

'sign of weakness' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe a behavior or action that is seen as indicative of a person's vulnerability or lack of strength. Example: His refusal to stand up for himself was seen as a sign of weakness by his peers.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A sign of weakness?

The Economist

But whining is a sign of weakness.

The New York Times

"Diplomacy is not a sign of weakness.

The Economist

"That was a sign of weakness".

The New York Times

It's a sign of weakness".

The New York Times

They're a sign of weakness.

The New York Times

This is a sign of weakness.

The Guardian

But it's a sign of weakness.

The Guardian - Sport

Now it is a sign of weakness.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It's ultimately a sign of weakness.

The Washington Post

To me, that's a sign of weakness.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "sign of weakness", ensure the context clearly defines what is considered weak within that specific scenario. This avoids misinterpretations and strengthens your argument.

Common error

Be wary of universally labeling something as a "sign of weakness". Perceptions of weakness are often culturally and contextually dependent. Instead, specify why a particular action or trait is perceived as such in the given situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sign of weakness" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject complement or object in a sentence. It identifies a specific action, characteristic, or situation that is interpreted as indicating a lack of strength, resolve, or capability. According to Ludwig AI, this is a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Formal & Business

10%

Academia

6%

Less common in

Science

2%

Wiki

2%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "sign of weakness" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe an action or trait perceived as indicating vulnerability or a lack of strength. Ludwig AI confirms its usability. As the analysis shows, it's frequently used in news and media to assess situations and behaviors, but also appears in formal business and academic contexts. Remember to use the phrase thoughtfully, considering the specific context and avoiding overgeneralizations. While alternatives like "indication of vulnerability" or "evidence of frailty" can be used, "sign of weakness" provides a direct and widely understood evaluation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

indication of vulnerability

Focuses on the aspect of being vulnerable rather than directly implying weakness.

evidence of frailty

Highlights the fragile nature or susceptibility associated with weakness.

manifestation of vulnerability

Emphasizes the outward display or expression of being vulnerable.

display of defenselessness

Stresses the lack of protection or ability to defend oneself.

act of submission

Highlights the surrendering aspect that might be interpreted as weakness in certain contexts.

acknowledgment of limitations

Focuses on admitting one's boundaries, which can be perceived as weakness.

confession of inadequacy

Stresses the admission of not being sufficient or capable.

admission of fault

Highlights the aspect of conceding errors, potentially seen as weakness.

failure to assert oneself

Focuses on the lack of self-confidence or decisiveness.

surrender to pressure

Emphasizes the act of giving in when faced with difficult situations.

FAQs

How can I use the phrase "sign of weakness" in a sentence?

You can use "sign of weakness" to describe actions or characteristics that suggest a lack of strength or resolve. For example, "His reluctance to negotiate was interpreted as a "sign of weakness" by the opposing team".

What are some alternatives to saying "sign of weakness"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "indication of vulnerability", "evidence of frailty", or "manifestation of vulnerability".

Is it always negative to be perceived as showing a "sign of weakness"?

Not necessarily. In some situations, acknowledging limitations or seeking help, which might be perceived as a "sign of weakness" by some, can actually demonstrate self-awareness and strategic thinking.

What's the difference between a "sign of weakness" and a "sign of strength"?

A "sign of weakness" suggests a lack of power, resolve, or capability, while a "sign of strength" indicates the presence of these qualities. However, the interpretation can vary; for instance, showing vulnerability might be a "sign of weakness" in a competitive environment but a "sign of strength" in a personal relationship.