weak constitution

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "weak constitution" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who has a frail or delicate physical condition, often in the context of health or resilience. Example: "Due to her weak constitution, she often fell ill during the winter months."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

The killing of animals in any country is never pretty, and the slaughter of Peixian's dogs is not something that someone of weak constitution should see.

The New York Times

It's worth remembering our prime minister with such a weak constitution the very prospect of giving prisoners the right to vote makes him "physically ill".

The Guardian

Being a man of weak constitution he didn't want to break his fingernails himself... so he opened up a restaurant and provided vast amounts of food and drink for the gold miners, accepting payment in gold nuggets".

The Guardian

While she has a weak constitution, she makes up for it with her energetic tomboy personality and is an excellent cook.

Wikipedia

There is not one clear and obvious path, but decisions must be made about strategies and priorities, so it is not for those with a weak constitution.

Huffington Post

The papal nuncio Salviati observed, "it is only with difficulty that we can imagine there will be offspring ... physicians and those who know him well say that he has an extremely weak constitution and will not live long".

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Conversely, it was common for physicians in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries to proscribe meat for patients who had weak constitutions or led sedentary lives.

The New Yorker

Lopez plays Affleck's lawfully wedded better half, but those with weak constitutions note this spoiler: reports say her character dies a scant 12 minutes into the movie.

Forbes

When your drunk uncle Eddy says the same things around the Thanksgiving table, the whole family knows he's a small-minded philistine from whom the kiddies and those with weak constitutions deserve to be protected.

Huffington Post

It is not a subject for those with weak constitutions or shut minds.

WikiHow

Women's supposed weaker constitutions and moral limitations, as well as their social restrictions, contributed to a concept of sublimity that marks it as masculine.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's general health, use "weak constitution" to convey a long-term or inherent physical frailty rather than a temporary illness.

Common error

Avoid using "weak constitution" to describe a temporary ailment or condition. This phrase implies a more permanent and fundamental lack of physical resilience. Use more specific terms like "illness" or "injury" for temporary conditions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "weak constitution" functions as a descriptive noun phrase, where "weak" modifies the noun "constitution". It describes the quality or state of someone's physical health and resilience. Ludwig AI indicates that it's usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Wiki

21%

Science

21%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

14%

Formal & Business

7%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "weak constitution" is a valid and usable English expression used to describe someone's frail or delicate physical health. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and applicability across diverse written contexts. Although not overly common, appearing in a mix of news, scientific, and general sources, it effectively communicates a long-term or inherent physical frailty, distinguishing it from temporary ailments. Related phrases like "feeble constitution" or "delicate health" offer nuanced alternatives, while understanding its scope prevents misuse. When using "weak constitution", remember that it is best suited for describing long-term vulnerability to ailments and overall lack of physical robustness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

feeble constitution

Emphasizes a lack of strength and vigor in one's physical makeup.

frail constitution

Highlights the delicate and easily damaged nature of one's health.

delicate health

Focuses on the fragility and susceptibility to illness.

fragile health

Similar to delicate health but may also imply a vulnerability to mental or emotional stress.

poor physical condition

A more general term indicating a lack of fitness and overall health.

low resistance

Specifies a reduced ability to fight off diseases and infections.

compromised immunity

Indicates a weakened immune system.

underlying health issues

Refers to pre-existing health problems that contribute to overall weakness.

vulnerable health

Emphasizes the susceptibility to illness and injury.

precarious health

Implies that one's health is unstable and at risk of deteriorating.

FAQs

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

You can use "weak constitution" to describe someone prone to illness or lacking physical resilience. For example: "Due to his "weak constitution", he avoided strenuous activities."

What are some alternatives to "weak constitution"?

Alternatives include "feeble constitution", "frail constitution", or "delicate health". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "weak constitution" in formal writing?

Yes, "weak constitution" is appropriate for formal writing, but consider your audience and the overall tone. In some contexts, a more specific medical term might be preferable.

What does it mean to have a "weak constitution"?

Having a "weak constitution" generally means that someone has a physical build that is not robust and is more susceptible to illness, fatigue, or injury.