weak looking

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "weak looking" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something that appears frail or lacking in strength or vitality. Example: "The stray dog was weak looking, with its ribs showing and a dull coat."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Connor Ripley handed Thistle a lifeline when he let in a weak looking Callum Booth effort but Motherwell held firm for their first three points at Fir Park in 2016.

The Guardian - Sport

The four-year-old boy, described by neighbours as "pale and weak" looking, was wearing baby clothes at the time of his death and was suffering osteoporosis as a result of a "grossly inadequate" diet.

BBC

Small & weak looking jaw 2. Forward head posture 3. Lip incompetency (unable to seal) 4. Small, dysfunctional nostrils 5. Underdeveloped or set back jaw.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

And what price is it worth paying to have one?From an economic perspective, the argument for the arms industry deserving special treatment, always weak, looks weaker.

The Economist

Then they sound weak, look terrified, and can't manage their shaking hands.

Huffington Post

Plant 2 or 3 seeds in each pot, and pinch off the weaker looking plants leaving only 1 per pot.

WikiHow

Anything else will make you look weak – and looking weak is the worst thing a Russian politician can do.

The Guardian - Opinion

Instead, they summoned enough passion to make a weak team look weak.

The New York Times - Sports

To the audience, this just makes the weak player look weaker.

Huffington Post

Who's Out: "Queen of Sewing" Ross is out for a mini, T-shirt and jacket ensemble that Klum calls a "weak look in a weak collection".

Huffington Post

But a weak improvisation looks like aimless wandering.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone as "weak looking", be specific about which features contribute to this impression, such as sunken eyes, pale skin, or a stooped posture. This adds depth and clarity to your description.

Common error

Avoid simply stating that someone is "weak looking" without providing supporting details. This can leave the reader with an incomplete or inaccurate impression. Instead, focus on observable characteristics.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "weak looking" functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun to describe its appearance. Ludwig AI shows it's used to describe a person's physical condition or an object's state, suggesting frailty or a lack of robustness. It adds descriptive detail to convey a sense of vulnerability or inferiority.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Wiki

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "weak looking" is an adjective phrase used to describe something that appears frail, unhealthy, or lacking strength. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and applicability in various contexts, although it is considered a rare phrase. Predominantly found in news and media and wiki contexts, it serves to provide a descriptive assessment, often conveying a sense of vulnerability or inferiority. While generally neutral in register, it's essential to provide specific details to enhance clarity and avoid vague descriptions. Related phrases such as ""frail appearance"" and "sickly aspect" offer nuanced alternatives depending on the desired emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

frail appearance

Emphasizes delicacy and vulnerability in appearance.

unhealthy appearance

Highlights a lack of well-being evident in the appearance.

feeble semblance

Suggests a weak or inadequate outward show of strength.

delicate constitution

Focuses on the underlying physical weakness contributing to the appearance.

sickly aspect

Specifically indicates an appearance of illness or poor health.

wan complexion

Refers to a pale and unhealthy facial appearance.

lacking vitality

Points to a deficiency in energy and liveliness.

fragile demeanor

Highlights a delicate and easily breakable manner or bearing.

vulnerable state

Emphasizes the susceptibility to harm or attack.

unrobust condition

Suggests a general lack of strength and vigor.

FAQs

What does "weak looking" mean?

"Weak looking" describes someone or something that appears frail, unhealthy, or lacking in strength or vitality.

What can I say instead of "weak looking"?

You can use alternatives like "frail appearance", "unhealthy appearance", or "feeble semblance" depending on the context.

How to use "weak looking" in a sentence?

Example: "The stray dog was "weak looking", with its ribs showing and a dull coat."

What's the difference between "weak looking" and "sickly aspect"?

"Weak looking" is a more general term indicating a lack of strength, while "sickly aspect" specifically implies an appearance of illness or poor health.