weak intent

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "weak intent" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a lack of strong purpose or determination in someone's actions or motivations. Example: "His weak intent to follow through with the project led to its eventual failure."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

For example, weak intent can lead some not to create strategies to guard against unintentional difficulties to ensure they take the drug reliably; in contrast, constant unintentional difficulties in managing to take a drug can lead to dwindling intent, particularly if there are no overt consequences of non-adherence.

BMJ Quality and Safety

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

They also believe " increased competitive pressures and relatively weak chocolate consumption intent" will limit Hershey's growth.

Forbes

"Although silence is sometimes a weak indicator of intent, it is a different story when Congress actively considers legislation to address a major policy issue, yet deliberately declines to enact it," Apple said.

Huffington Post

Rather, it distinguishes between strong and weak evidence with the intent of guiding subsequent research.

BioData Mining

What changed last week is that Iran has been put on the defensive – its protestations of purely peaceful intent look weaker than ever.

The Guardian - Opinion

For example, he says that if someone happens to be outside a Babies R Us, that's a much weaker signal of their intent and interests than if they actually check-in to the store.

TechCrunch

His "War Against the Weak," apparently written with similar intent, is a muckraking book about a subject incontestably awash in muck.

The New York Times - Books

There is, no doubt, a credible framework of legislation in place in India to support any attention give to environmental issues, but the institutions and processes that translate intent into action remain weak and ineffective.

The Guardian - Opinion

5.36pm GMT 36 min: The consensus among the commentators is that it was a very weak penalty, the match officials seemingly intent on continuing their 0% record when it comes to major calls in this game.

The Guardian - Sport

Just like Paulson who couldn't see that Citigroup was too weak to buy Wachovia, the conservatives intent on denying the Big Three loans are shortsighted.

Huffington Post

Now, either no one's told Dettol this fact, or it's intent on terrifying the weak-minded into buying products they just don't need.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "weak intent", ensure the context clearly specifies what the intent is directed towards. For example, specify "weak intent to complete the project" rather than just "weak intent".

Common error

Avoid using "weak intent" as a generic descriptor for general apathy or laziness. It's more effective when describing a specific intent that lacks strength or conviction.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "weak intent" functions as a noun phrase, where 'weak' modifies the noun 'intent'. It describes the quality or state of the intent being feeble or lacking strength. Ludwig examples show it used to describe both individual and institutional intentions.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

30%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "weak intent" describes a state where an intention exists but lacks strength or resolve. Ludwig AI indicates it is grammatically correct and usable, although relatively rare. It commonly appears in news, scientific and formal contexts. When using the phrase, it's best to ensure the context specifies the intent and what makes it weak. Alternatives include "feeble intention" and "lack of purpose". While generally appropriate, avoid overusing it as a generic term for apathy, as it's more effective when describing a specific intention. The phrase is versatile, fitting diverse contexts, but its infrequent usage suggests considering stronger alternatives for greater impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

feeble intention

Replaces "weak" with "feeble", emphasizing a lack of strength or effectiveness in the intention.

wavering resolve

Focuses on the fluctuating nature of determination rather than the strength of the intent itself.

lack of purpose

Highlights the absence of a clear aim or goal, synonymous with a weak sense of intent.

tenuous commitment

Emphasizes the fragility and lack of solidity in the dedication to a goal.

faltering motivation

Shifts the focus to the declining or unsteady drive behind the intent.

deficient resolve

Indicates an inadequacy or insufficiency in the determination to act.

half-hearted effort

Describes an attempt made without genuine enthusiasm or commitment.

lacking conviction

Emphasizes the absence of a firm belief or certainty in one's intent.

hesitant inclination

Highlights a wavering or reluctant tendency towards a particular action.

diminished motivation

Focuses on the reduced level of drive and enthusiasm for a particular goal or action.

FAQs

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

You can use "weak intent" to describe a lack of strong purpose or determination in someone's actions or motivations. For example: "His "weak intent" to follow through with the project led to its eventual failure."

What can I say instead of "weak intent"?

You can use alternatives like "lack of commitment" or "feeble motivation" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "weak intent" or "lack of intent"?

While both phrases are grammatically correct, "lack of intent" suggests a complete absence of purpose, whereas ""weak intent"" implies some level of intention is present, but it is not strong.

What does "weak intent" imply?

"Weak intent" implies a lack of strong purpose or determination. It suggests that while someone may have an intention, their commitment to it is not firm or resolute.