signs of weakness

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "signs of weakness" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe indications or evidence that someone or something is not strong or resilient, often in a psychological or physical context. Example: "In competitive sports, showing signs of weakness can lead to losing the advantage over your opponent."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Signs of weakness are everywhere.

The New York Times

Signs of weakness, all.

The Guardian

Signs of weakness".

The Guardian - Books

He hid all signs of weakness.

The New York Times - Sports

Yet there are subtle signs of weakness.

The Guardian - Tech

Right now, signs of weakness are everywhere.

The New York Times

Other economic data released today also gave signs of weakness.

The New York Times

There are signs of weakness in the Eastern Division.

The New York Times - Sports

True, the economy has started showing further signs of weakness.

The New York Times

But Taiwan's investment in China is showing signs of weakness.

The New York Times

The European economy is also showing signs of weakness.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "signs of weakness", ensure the context clearly defines what constitutes weakness in that specific situation. Be precise about the type of weakness you are referring to (e.g., economic, physical, strategic).

Common error

Avoid assuming that "signs of weakness" automatically imply total failure. Often, they are merely temporary setbacks or areas needing improvement, not necessarily indicators of irreversible decline.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "signs of weakness" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies indicators suggesting a lack of strength or resilience. Ludwig confirms its usability, demonstrating its role in describing vulnerabilities in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Formal & Business

17%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Science

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "signs of weakness" is a versatile phrase used to denote indicators of vulnerability or decline across various domains. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage. The phrase is most commonly found in news and media contexts, with neutral register and serves to inform or alert about potential downfalls. When using the phrase, it's important to be specific about the type of weakness being described to avoid overgeneralizations. Considering alternatives like "indicators of vulnerability" can add nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

signals of vulnerability

Synonymous with "signs of weakness", simply using "signals" as an alternative.

indicators of vulnerability

Replaces "signs" with "indicators" and "weakness" with "vulnerability", focusing on susceptibility to harm.

markers of vulnerability

Identifies specific indicators that highlight susceptibility to harm.

manifestations of decline

Emphasizes the process of deterioration rather than just the indications.

evidence of frailty

Highlights the physical or moral weakness, using "frailty" instead of "weakness".

indications of instability

Shifts the focus to a lack of steadiness or predictability.

hints of fragility

Highlights the delicacy and susceptibility to damage.

symptoms of failure

Suggests an impending or ongoing unsuccessful outcome.

portents of decline

Emphasizes the predictive nature of the signs, suggesting a future downturn.

omens of collapse

Implies a catastrophic breakdown or disintegration.

FAQs

How can I use "signs of weakness" in a sentence?

You can use "signs of weakness" to describe various situations. For example, "The company's declining sales are "signs of weakness" in the market." or "Showing emotions wasn't regarded as a sign of love but "signs of weakness".

What are some alternatives to "signs of weakness"?

Alternatives include "indicators of vulnerability", "manifestations of decline", or "evidence of frailty", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "signs of weakness" or "indications of weakness"?

Both "signs of weakness" and "indications of weakness" are grammatically correct and largely interchangeable. The choice depends on stylistic preference, as they carry very similar meanings.

In what contexts is "signs of weakness" most commonly used?

"Signs of weakness" is frequently used in contexts related to economics, politics, and personal resilience. For example, you might see it in discussions about "economic indicators", political strategies, or individual "mental health".