weak attempt

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "weak attempt" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is usually used to describe an effort that is just not enough to be successful. For example, "My weak attempt at solving the problem was not enough to find an answer."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

General Writing

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This was my weak attempt to give her a financial education.

The New York Times

His transparently weak attempt to justify his vote does nothing to erase this shameful disappointment.

The New York Times

A relatively weak attempt to reform the civil service was finally passed by parliament in October.

The New Yorker

Tyson was in town last week, making a weak attempt at selling his latest reincarnation.

The New York Times - Sports

Bouquie went clean through Van Gisbergen's weak attempt at a tackle and round for a try between the posts.

The Guardian - Sport

"This is a quick fix in a weak attempt to show he is holding up an election promise.

The Guardian

Skating at the blue line, Hamel pounced on Igor Ulanov's weak attempt at a cross-ice pass.

The New York Times - Sports

Müller's weak attempt to beat Gianluigi Buffon broke a run of 22 successful spot-kicks from Germany in shootouts.

The Guardian - Sport

Far from titillating, the scene served as yet another weak attempt to give this show a spark.

The New York Times - Arts

The Conservative response was to accuse the opposition of "a weak attempt to kick the can down the road".

The Guardian

Last season's "boys versus girls" angle felt like a weak attempt to amp up the rivalry, which My Kitchen Rules does with contrived brilliance.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "weak attempt", ensure the context clearly indicates what the attempt was intended to achieve and why it fell short. This provides a clearer understanding of the situation you are describing.

Common error

Avoid using "weak attempt" when a more nuanced description of the effort is possible. Sometimes, specifying how the attempt was weak (e.g., "a poorly planned attempt", "an underfunded attempt") can be more informative and engaging for the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "weak attempt" functions primarily as a descriptive modifier, specifying the quality of an action or effort. The examples Ludwig provides highlight its use in assessing the effectiveness of different endeavors, as confirmed by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Sport

24%

General Writing

12%

Less common in

Academic

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Wiki

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "weak attempt" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe efforts lacking in strength or effectiveness. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's suitable for general use but appears most frequently in news and sports contexts, where objective assessment is important. While alternatives like "feeble effort" or "poor effort" exist, the best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey. When using "weak attempt", ensure you clarify the intent and shortcomings of the effort for maximum clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

feeble effort

Replaces "attempt" with "effort", emphasizing the lack of strength in the action.

poor effort

Substitutes "weak" with "poor", highlighting the substandard quality of the effort.

lackluster try

Uses "lackluster" instead of "weak", focusing on the lack of enthusiasm or effectiveness.

flimsy endeavor

Replaces both words to indicate an undertaking that is insubstantial and easily overcome.

half-hearted effort

Highlights the lack of commitment or zeal in the attempt.

failed bid

Focuses on the unsuccessful outcome of the attempt.

inadequate measure

Indicates the attempt was insufficient or not up to the task.

deficient action

Emphasizes that the action taken was lacking or incomplete.

insufficient effort

Highlights the lack of necessary resources or force in the attempt.

abortive attempt

Implies the attempt was cut short or unsuccessful from the start.

FAQs

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

You can use "weak attempt" to describe an action or effort that lacks the strength or effectiveness to succeed. For instance, "His "weak attempt" to fix the car failed miserably."

What are some alternatives to saying "weak attempt"?

Alternatives include "feeble effort", "poor effort", or "half-hearted effort", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to use "weak attempt" or "flimsy attempt"?

"Weak attempt" generally refers to a lack of strength or effectiveness, while "flimsy attempt" suggests a lack of substance or being poorly constructed. The best choice depends on whether the failure was due to a lack of power or a lack of quality.

How does "weak attempt" differ from "inadequate attempt"?

"Weak attempt" emphasizes the lack of force or energy behind the effort, while "inadequate attempt" suggests that the attempt was simply not sufficient to meet the requirements of the task.