tenuous state

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "tenuous state" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or condition that is weak, unstable, or lacking in substance. Example: "The negotiations were in a tenuous state, with both parties unsure if an agreement could be reached."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

The blog AZ Snakepit offers a glimpse at the tenuous state of Diamondbacks fandom.

The New York Times

With the company in a tenuous state, rivals swooped in and courted dissatisfied customers.

The New York Times - Tech

That even when things are in a tenuous state, there's potential there.

The Guardian - Music

A century of human disturbance, however, has left the trapdoor spider and the cave's fauna in a potentially tenuous state.

The New York Times

The tenuous state of the economy is a major reason for the earlier arrival of back-to-school campaigns.

The New York Times

But the tenuous state of the industry has made prospective investors, so far, hesitant to back the merger.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

Ever since the deepest freeze of the Cold War between the United States and the Soviet Union more than half a century ago, filmmakers have used the sci-fi genre to exploit people's fears about the tenuous, fragile state of the world.

Los Angeles Times

As both comorbidity and dependency increase with age, more elderly people are living longer in more tenuous states of health.

Clinical interventions in aging

The earthquake has further disturbed the tenuous equilibrium of the public health system, though any major stressor would trigger a crisis in the fragile state.

BMC International Health and Human Rights

Sure enough, the album opened big, but in a way that reflected the tenuous transitional state of the record business.

The New York Times

Mr. Brooks, who his lawyers have said is in a "tenuous emotional state," has watched much of the proceedings with glassy eyes and a nervous demeanor.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "tenuous state", ensure the context clearly indicates what is weak or unstable. Provide specific details to illustrate the fragility of the situation.

Common error

Avoid overusing "tenuous state" for situations that are merely challenging or difficult. Reserve it for cases where there is a genuine risk of collapse or failure.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tenuous state" primarily functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun, describing a condition or situation characterized by instability or uncertainty. Ludwig AI confirms its correct grammatical usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "tenuous state" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to describe situations or conditions that are weak, unstable, or uncertain. As highlighted by Ludwig AI, its usage is considered correct and appropriate. Predominantly found in news and academic contexts, the phrase serves to express concern and caution, emphasizing the fragility and potential for negative outcomes. While alternatives like "precarious situation" or "fragile condition" exist, "tenuous state" remains a versatile choice for conveying instability in various forms.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

precarious situation

Replaces "state" with "situation", emphasizing the instability of the circumstances.

fragile condition

Substitutes "tenuous" with "fragile" and "state" with "condition", highlighting vulnerability.

unstable position

Replaces "tenuous" with "unstable" and "state" with "position", indicating lack of firmness.

shaky ground

Uses a metaphorical expression suggesting a lack of security or certainty.

delicate balance

Focuses on the fine margin and potential for disruption.

risky condition

Highlights the element of risk and potential negative outcomes.

uncertain situation

Emphasizes the lack of clarity and predictability.

insecure environment

Focuses on the lack of security and potential threats.

volatile circumstance

Highlights the potential for sudden and dramatic change.

wobbly foundation

Implies that the underlying support is weak or unreliable.

FAQs

How can I use "tenuous state" in a sentence?

You can use "tenuous state" to describe a situation or condition that is weak, unstable, or lacking substance. For example: "The company's financial situation is in a "tenuous state" after the recent economic downturn."

What's a good alternative to "tenuous state"?

Alternatives include "precarious situation", "fragile condition", or "unstable position" depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "tenuous state" in formal writing?

Yes, "tenuous state" is appropriate for formal writing, as it is grammatically correct and widely used in reputable sources, including news media and academic publications.

What does it mean when something is described as being in a "tenuous state"?

It means that the thing being described is in a weak or unstable condition and is likely to fail or collapse if not carefully managed or supported.