weak argument

USAGE SUMMARY

"weak argument" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to a claim or statement that is not supported by sufficient evidence and is thus unconvincing. For example, "His weak argument that the company should invest in outdated technology did not convince the executive board."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That is a weak argument.

The New York Times

But Arment responded: "that's a weak argument.

The Guardian - Tech

In my view, that's a pretty weak argument.

The Washington Post

This would be a weak argument whoever made it.

The Guardian - Opinion

But this is a weak argument against the new rule.

The New York Times

Perhaps regulate in other ways; this just seems like a weak argument.

University of California, Berkeley

Cameron said no, making the rather weak argument that some employees preferred them.

The Guardian - Opinion

This, while a weak argument, is at least a consistent one.

The Washington Post

It is a weak argument: cluster bombs are weapons for conventional wars with conventional battlefields.

The New York Times

That sort of heightened scrutiny would challenge the administration's weak argument for upholding the act.

The New York Times

It's a weak argument: state-level polls have been signaling a clear and perhaps widening Obama advantage for weeks.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "weak argument", clearly explain why the argument is weak by pointing out specific flaws in its logic or evidence. This adds credibility to your critique.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the weakness of an argument. Instead of simply labeling it a "weak argument", provide concrete examples of its shortcomings to strengthen your assessment.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "weak argument" functions as a descriptive term, classifying an argument based on its quality. It indicates that the argument lacks strength, persuasiveness, or sufficient support. Ludwig shows examples from news, academic papers, and blogs, demonstrating its widespread use.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

28%

Academia

11%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "weak argument" is a common and valid way to describe an argument lacking in strength or persuasiveness. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a useful and correct phrase for evaluating claims. Its usage spans various contexts, from News & Media to scientific discourse. Related phrases like "tenuous argument" or "flimsy argument" offer nuanced alternatives. When using "weak argument", it's best to provide concrete reasons why the argument is deficient, thus strengthening your critique.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

tenuous argument

Indicates an argument that is flimsy and not well-supported, similar to "weak argument" but emphasizing its lack of substance.

feeble argument

Highlights the lack of force or effectiveness in the argument, akin to "weak argument" but stressing its ineffectual nature.

flimsy argument

Suggests an argument that is easily refuted or broken down, similar to "weak argument" but focusing on its fragility.

poorly supported argument

Emphasizes the lack of evidence or reasoning backing the argument, directly indicating its weakness.

unconvincing argument

Focuses on the argument's failure to persuade or convince, highlighting its ineffectiveness.

unsound argument

Indicates the argument is not logically valid or well-founded, pointing to a deeper flaw than mere weakness.

deficient argument

Suggests that the argument is lacking essential components or qualities, emphasizing its incompleteness.

shaky argument

Implies the argument is unstable and prone to collapse under scrutiny, highlighting its precariousness.

dubious argument

Indicates the argument is questionable or doubtful in its validity, suggesting skepticism about its merit.

fragile argument

Focuses on the argument's susceptibility to being easily undermined or disproven.

FAQs

How can I use "weak argument" in a sentence?

You can use "weak argument" to describe a claim or point that lacks sufficient evidence or logical reasoning. For instance, "The politician's claim that tax cuts stimulate the economy is a "weak argument" without supporting data".

What phrases are similar to "weak argument"?

Alternatives to "weak argument" include "tenuous argument", "feeble argument", or "flimsy argument", each emphasizing different aspects of the argument's deficiency.

What makes an argument qualify as a "weak argument"?

An argument is considered a "weak argument" when it relies on faulty logic, insufficient evidence, or unsupported claims, making it easily refutable or unpersuasive.

Is there a difference between a "weak argument" and a "poorly supported argument"?

While similar, a "weak argument" generally implies a fundamental flaw in the reasoning itself, whereas a "poorly supported argument" may have sound reasoning but lacks sufficient evidence to back it up.