substantially weakened

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "substantially weakened" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe something that has been greatly reduced in strength, power, or effectiveness. Example: The company's finances were substantially weakened by the economic downturn, forcing them to lay off a large number of employees.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Has the blockade of Gaza in fact substantially weakened Hamas?

The Washington Post

This close working relationship, however, now risks coming to an end, or getting substantially weakened.

Stanford University

"The case was always pretty frail and it's been substantially weakened.

The Guardian

I think that case was always pretty frail, and it has been substantially weakened," he said.

The Guardian

There, local tribesmen rose up against, and have substantially weakened, Al Qaeda of Mesopotamia.

The New York Times - Magazine

Now, the stark contrast between BP's image and reality has substantially weakened its reputation.

Harvard Business Review

In return, Iran wants step-by-step relief from sanctions that have substantially weakened its economy.

The New York Times

Last year's election substantially weakened the governor's support in the legislature.

The Washington Post

"I think that case was always pretty frail and it's been substantially weakened.

Independent

The ties between the drug industry and psychiatry have already been substantially weakened.

The New York Times

Once again, because of the Champions League, Bayern fielded a substantially weakened team Saturday.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "substantially weakened" to describe a significant decrease in strength, influence, or effectiveness. Ensure the context clearly indicates what has been weakened and the extent of the weakening.

Common error

Avoid using "substantially weakened" when the reduction is minor or insignificant. Ensure the weakening is truly substantial and not just a slight decrease.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "substantially weakened" functions as a predicate adjective, modifying a noun or pronoun to describe its state. It indicates a considerable reduction in strength, power, or effectiveness. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

24%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "substantially weakened" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that describes a significant reduction in the strength, power, or effectiveness of something. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and commonly used in written English. As evidenced by the numerous examples in Ludwig, it appears most often in News & Media, Science and Academic contexts. When using "substantially weakened", ensure that the context clearly conveys what has been diminished and that the weakening is indeed significant. Alternatives like "considerably impaired" or "significantly diminished" can be used depending on the specific shade of meaning you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

considerably impaired

Focuses on the functional damage or hindrance caused.

significantly diminished

Highlights the reduction in size, extent, or degree.

markedly reduced

Emphasizes the noticeable decrease in something.

noticeably impaired

Highlights that the impairment is easily observed.

severely undermined

Suggests a weakening that threatens stability or success.

largely compromised

Implies that the integrity or effectiveness has been significantly affected.

greatly deteriorated

Focuses on the decline in quality or condition.

drastically reduced

Conveys a sudden and significant decrease.

appreciably lessened

Highlights a reduction that is significant enough to be perceived or measured.

materially affected

Indicates a change that is important and has real consequences.

FAQs

How can I use "substantially weakened" in a sentence?

You can use "substantially weakened" to describe a significant decrease in the strength, power, or effectiveness of something. For example, "The sanctions "substantially weakened" the country's economy".

What are some alternatives to "substantially weakened"?

Alternatives include "considerably impaired", "significantly diminished", or "markedly reduced". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "substantially weakened" in formal writing?

Yes, "substantially weakened" is appropriate for formal writing. It's often found in news reports, academic papers, and business documents.

What's the difference between "substantially weakened" and "slightly weakened"?

"Substantially weakened" indicates a significant reduction in strength or effectiveness, while "slightly weakened" suggests only a minor decrease. Use "substantially weakened" when the impact is considerable.