weak disposition

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "weak disposition" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is easily influenced, lacks resilience, or has a fragile emotional state. Example: "Her weak disposition made it difficult for her to handle criticism from her peers."

✓ Grammatically correct

Literature

Psychology

General Usage

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

In the novel, too, it is intimated that poor Barnaby has inherited some curse from his father and it may be that Dickens was fearful that he had inherited some weak disposition from his own parent.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Obviously, those of weaker dispositions should simply avoid certain flights.

Independent

In the press notes Mr. Ounpuu tells us his film is intended for "all people with a gentle soul and weak liver". A cheery disposition probably wouldn't hurt either.

The New York Times

It was a place where customers who suffered from delicate dispositions and "weak chests" would literally be "restored".

The New York Times - Books

Contemporary discussions on climate change, resource conservation, and indigenous land claims have been dominated by strategies of migration, retreat, and relocation; all of which are rooted in the systematic displacement and disposition of weaker and poorer nations and societies by those that are more powerful.

Harvard University

And it requires that you take into account the circumstances an employee is working under rather than attributing weak performance to the person's disposition.

Harvard Business Review

Manzoni says that bosses need to consider an employee's circumstances rather than just attribute weak performance to a person's disposition.

Harvard Business Review

The research employed a 2 (co-innovation initiation: customer vs. company) x 2 (disposition to social exchange: strong vs. weak) between-subjects design.

International Journal of Hospitality Management

This disposition caused the matrix to assume a weak appearance in some areas.

Acta Orthopaedica

The angular disposition of the mX methyl groups permits only one weak (4.03(2) Å) C=H⋅⋅⋅O interaction and the mX C=H⋅⋅⋅π interactions are also asymmetric.

Angewandte Chemie - International Edition

The observed increase requires a more dramatic change in disposition of the MD on actin during the weak-to-strong transition, as observed here.

Plosone

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a character's susceptibility to negative influences or emotional fragility, use "weak disposition" to create a sense of vulnerability and lack of resilience. This is especially effective in literary contexts or psychological profiles.

Common error

Avoid using "weak disposition" when intending to describe physical frailty. The phrase refers specifically to a lack of mental or emotional strength, not physical power.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "weak disposition" functions as a descriptive term, typically used to characterize an individual's inherent susceptibility to external influences or emotional instability. Examples from Ludwig suggest its application in literary analysis and general descriptions of personal character.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

25%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "weak disposition" describes a lack of mental or emotional resilience, rendering someone easily influenced or vulnerable. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English. While not extremely common, it appears in a variety of contexts, including news, science, and academic writing. When employing this phrase, ensure it aligns with the intended meaning of mental or emotional fragility rather than physical weakness. Alternatives such as "fragile temperament" or "delicate nature" may offer more nuanced descriptions depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Fragile temperament

Focuses more on the emotional instability.

Delicate nature

Emphasizes a sensitive and vulnerable quality.

Susceptible character

Highlights vulnerability to external influences.

Vulnerable personality

Emphasizes the easily harmed aspects of personality.

Lacking resilience

Directly addresses the absence of ability to recover quickly from difficulties.

Easily influenced

Highlights the susceptibility to the opinions or actions of others.

Feeble mindedness

While archaic, it highlights a lack of intellectual strength, but can have negative connotations.

Unstable mindset

Implies a wavering or inconsistent mental state.

Frail constitution

Describes a person who is physically or emotionally weak.

Yielding temperament

Highlights a readiness to submit to the will of others.

FAQs

What does "weak disposition" mean?

A "weak disposition" refers to a lack of mental or emotional strength, making someone easily influenced or vulnerable.

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

You might say, "His "weak disposition" made him susceptible to peer pressure" or "The character's "weak disposition" was a central theme in the novel".

What are some alternatives to "weak disposition"?

Consider using phrases like "fragile temperament", "delicate nature", or "lacking resilience" as alternatives, depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

Yes, "weak disposition" is appropriate for formal writing, particularly when discussing character traits in literature or psychological analyses. However, be mindful of the context and ensure it aligns with the overall tone.