structural weakness

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "structural weakness" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing flaws or vulnerabilities in physical structures, systems, or organizations. Example: "The engineers identified a significant structural weakness in the bridge that needed immediate attention."

✓ Grammatically correct

Engineering

Politics

Economics

Geology

Medicine

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The structural weakness, collapse mode and failure mechanism were investigated.

Engineering Structures

Eggless cupcakes, because they are smaller, can triumph over their structural weakness.

The New York Times

The rivers follow lines of structural weakness and run northwest-southeast.

Britannica

In large part, the commission's structural weakness is a result of longstanding conservative antipathy toward its mission.

The New York Times

Shorten is fully intent, in other words, on taking advantage of Turnbull's structural weakness while pretending to be positive.

The Guardian

Mr. Trelinski's approach also intensifies an acknowledged structural weakness of the opera.

The New York Times

My colleague argues below that this reflects a "real structural weakness inside the GOP".

The Economist

The depression highlighted another structural weakness in the Balkans: population growth.

Encyclopedia Britannica

I peered down the pipe, sizing up the curve and scanning for signs of structural weakness.

The New York Times - Arts

Because of structural concentration of water flow along joints and faults, valleys grow headward along zones of structural weakness.

Britannica

Underlying reasons for banking crises which are (1) liquidity (fractional banking), (2) structural weakness and (3) leverage cycles.

Yale University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing abstract systems (e.g. political, economic), use "structural weakness" to denote deep-seated, systemic issues rather than superficial problems.

Common error

Avoid using "structural weakness" for minor or easily fixable issues. Opt for simpler terms like "flaw" or "defect" when the problem is not systemic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "structural weakness" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. As evidenced by Ludwig, it identifies a vulnerability or deficiency in the construction or organization of something, whether physical or abstract.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Encyclopedias

15%

Science

15%

Less common in

Academia

12%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "structural weakness" is a grammatically correct and frequently used term to describe vulnerabilities in both physical and abstract systems. As noted by Ludwig, it commonly appears in news, encyclopedias and scientific contexts, indicating a wide range of applications from engineering to political analysis. While interchangeable with terms like "design flaw" or "inherent flaw", "structural weakness" often implies a more systemic problem. When using the phrase, it's important to consider the context and avoid applying it to trivial situations. Overall, "structural weakness" is a valuable term for identifying and addressing potential failures.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

design flaw

Focuses specifically on errors in the design phase.

inherent flaw

Highlights that the weakness is intrinsic or naturally existing within the structure.

fundamental flaw

Emphasizes that the weakness is at the core or foundation.

critical vulnerability

Draws attention to the potential for severe impact or damage.

underlying fragility

Suggests a subtle or hidden vulnerability.

latent defect

Highlights that the weakness is present but not yet apparent or active.

systemic failing

Points to a weakness that affects an entire system or organization.

organizational vulnerability

Pinpoints that the weakness is found in the structure of an organization.

technical deficiency

Specifies a problem of lack in a technical sense.

Achilles' heel

Figuratively indicates the critical and vulnerable point.

FAQs

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

You can use "structural weakness" to describe vulnerabilities in physical structures, systems, or organizations. For example: "The investigation revealed a "structural weakness" in the bridge's support beams."

What are some alternatives to "structural weakness"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "design flaw", "inherent flaw", or "critical vulnerability".

Is it better to say "structural weakness" or "structural flaw"?

Both "structural weakness" and "structural flaw" are acceptable, but "structural weakness" often implies a broader, more systemic issue, while "structural flaw" can refer to a specific defect.

In what contexts is "structural weakness" most appropriately used?

"Structural weakness" is suitable for discussing issues within complex systems like buildings, organizations, or economies. It suggests a deep-rooted problem that needs careful attention.