significantly weaker

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "significantly weaker" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that has a notably reduced strength or effectiveness compared to something else. Example: "The new model is significantly weaker than its predecessor, leading to concerns about its performance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

In Europe, the companies are significantly weaker.

The New York Times

The bill was significantly weaker than a version that the State Senate passed last month.

The New York Times

Consumer spending, which had been mysteriously strong, turned out to be significantly weaker.

The New York Times

The fact we're 0.2% down on services is very disappointing" "A bit disappointing, obviously significantly weaker than expected.

The Guardian - Business

As the EU referendum debate continued, uncertainty and confusion among customers and clients did lead to significantly weaker market conditions.

The Guardian - Business

The study found that several regions of their brains showed significantly weaker connections between the right and left sides.

The New Yorker

In contrast, the runner-up was expected to face significantly weaker opposition in the knockout stage.

The Economist

In many countries, like Russia, the rule of law is significantly weaker.

The New York Times

His mind-set refocused — and pitching against a significantly weaker lineup — Niese barely broke a sweat.

The New York Times - Sports

There have been fears voiced about the strength in depth of Wenger's squad; when the regulars are missing, certain areas can feel significantly weaker.

The Guardian - Sport

But he can't pass his own budget, and that's left him looking significantly weaker than our imaginations would care to admit.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Employ "significantly weaker" when you want to emphasize a noticeable and important reduction in strength, power, or effectiveness. It adds weight to your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "significantly weaker" when the difference is only marginal or negligible. Overusing the phrase diminishes its impact and can mislead your audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "significantly weaker" functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It modifies a noun to indicate a notable reduction in strength, intensity, or effectiveness. As seen in Ludwig, it clearly conveys a difference in magnitude between two compared items.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "significantly weaker" is a versatile and frequently used adjective phrase that effectively communicates a notable reduction in strength or effectiveness. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability across various contexts, from formal reports to news articles. While alternatives like "considerably less potent" or "markedly diminished" exist, understanding the nuances of each option can enhance your writing. Remember to provide clear comparisons and avoid overstating the significance to maintain clarity and credibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

considerably less potent

Emphasizes a notable reduction in power or effectiveness.

markedly diminished

Highlights a clear and noticeable decrease in some quality or attribute.

appreciably reduced

Focuses on a reduction that is large enough to be easily perceived or measured.

noticeably lessened

Indicates a decrease that is easily observed.

substantially impaired

Suggests a significant decline in functionality or capability.

palpably feebler

Emphasizes that the weaker state is easily felt or perceived.

measurably attenuated

Highlights that the reduction can be quantified.

distinctly undermined

Focuses on a clear weakening of a foundation or support.

demonstrably eroded

Implies a gradual decline that is evident.

visibly compromised

Indicates a clear and apparent weakening or impairment.

FAQs

How can I use "significantly weaker" in a sentence?

You can use "significantly weaker" to compare the relative strength or effectiveness of two or more things. For instance, "The new policy is "significantly weaker" than the previous one, leading to less effective enforcement."

What are some alternatives to "significantly weaker"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "considerably less potent", "markedly diminished", or "appreciably reduced" to convey a similar meaning. Each alternative offers a slightly different nuance.

When is it appropriate to use "significantly weaker" versus "slightly weaker"?

"Significantly weaker" implies a noticeable and important difference in strength or effectiveness. Use "slightly weaker" when the difference is minor or barely perceptible.

Is "significantly weaker" a formal or informal expression?

"Significantly weaker" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its usage is widespread across various types of writing, from academic papers to news articles and casual discussions.