weak performance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "weak performance" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when talking about a subpar achievement, like when someone completes a task lower than what was expected of them. For example: "The student's weak performance on the final exam resulted in a lower grade than expected."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The issue is Iberia's weak performance.

The Economist

You also have to impose penalties for weak performance.

Harvard Business Review

But analysts suspect another motivation for Macy's: weak performance.

The New York Times

Instead, Coty blamed management for Avon's weak performance.

The New York Times

Zynga's weak performance reflects the broader market for I.P.O.'s.

The New York Times

Composites with large particles demonstrated weak performance towards water.

Construction and Building Materials

And how could any American support Trump's tragically weak performance at Helsinki?

The Washington Post

Executives attribute poor execution to a lack of alignment and a weak performance culture.

Harvard Business Review

Although well constructed, it suffers from a weak performance by lead Anna Sten.

Britannica

Goldman is blaming a series of political and geopolitical problems for its weak performance last quarter.

The Guardian - Business

The worsening trade deficit has indeed been a major factor in the economy's weak performance.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing "weak performance", be specific about the area or aspect in which the performance was lacking. For example, instead of saying "The team's performance was weak", specify "The team's sales performance was weak" or "The team's performance in customer service was weak."

Common error

Avoid using "weak performance" as a blanket statement without providing context or specifics. Instead of just stating that something is a "weak performance", elaborate on what made the performance weak and what aspects were deficient. This provides more actionable feedback and avoids ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "weak performance" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "weak" modifies the noun "performance". As Ludwig AI explains, it describes a subpar or deficient achievement. This is evidenced in examples like "Iberia's weak performance" and "Zynga's weak performance".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Science

24%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Academia

6%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "weak performance" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe a subpar or deficient achievement. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is suitable for various contexts and registers. It is important, however, to be specific when using the phrase, detailing the area or aspect of the performance that is lacking. Common contexts include news and media, science, and formal business settings. When writing, avoid overgeneralizing and instead provide specific details to enhance clarity. Alternative phrases, such as "poor showing" or "subpar execution", can be used to add variety to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

subpar execution

Replaces "performance" with "execution", emphasizing the act of carrying out a task poorly; it suggests a focus on the process rather than the result.

poor showing

Uses "showing" instead of "performance", focusing on how something appears or presents itself, often in a competitive context.

deficient result

Substitutes "performance" with "result", highlighting the unsatisfactory outcome rather than the process or effort.

inadequate output

Replaces "performance" with "output", emphasizing the insufficient quantity or quality of the produced work.

unsatisfactory delivery

Uses "delivery" instead of "performance", typically used when referring to the execution of a plan, promise, or service.

feeble effort

Replaces "performance" with "effort", focusing on the lack of vigor or effectiveness in the attempt made.

lousy job

An informal substitute that stresses the low quality of the work done.

failed attempt

Focuses on the failure aspect, indicating the unsuccessful completion of something.

underwhelming accomplishment

Highlights the lack of excitement or satisfaction in the final achievement.

disappointing outcome

Emphasizes the negative feeling caused by the result, suggesting unmet expectations.

FAQs

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

You can use "weak performance" to describe a situation where someone or something did not perform well. For example, "The company experienced "weak performance" in the last quarter due to declining sales."

What are some alternatives to saying "weak performance"?

Alternatives to "weak performance" include "poor showing", "subpar execution", or "inadequate output", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "poor performance" or "weak performance"?

Both "poor performance" and "weak performance" are acceptable, but "poor performance" might suggest a more general deficiency, while "weak performance" can imply a lack of strength or effectiveness in a specific area. The best choice depends on the nuance you want to convey.

What are the causes of "weak performance" in a business context?

There can be many causes of a business's "weak performance". Some examples are: poor management, a lack of resources, a decrease in demand, and/or new competition.