weak points

USAGE SUMMARY

"weak points" is an acceptable phrase in written English.
You can use it when referring to the aspects or areas of something that are below average or inadequate. For example, "The report highlighted some of the project's weak points, including unmet deadlines and cost overruns."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Improve on the weak points.

The New York Times - Sports

We know where our weak points are.

The New York Times - Sports

But they also have weak points.

The New York Times

"They don't have any weak points".

The New York Times - Arts

However, these methods have some weak points.

Journal of Applied Geophysics

The fighters knew the army's weak points.

The New York Times - Magazine

Finally, one of XRN's major weak points is its documentation.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Mobile apps could prove weak points here too.

MIT Technology Review

The government's report showed some expected weak points.

The New York Times

"This house has too many weak points," I said.

The New Yorker

But there are two weak points to worry about here.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing a team or project, use "weak points" to identify specific areas that require additional attention or resources to improve overall performance.

Common error

Avoid vague statements about "weak points". Be specific and provide examples to illustrate the issues clearly. For instance, instead of saying 'The marketing campaign has weak points', specify 'The marketing campaign's weak points include low engagement on social media and poor conversion rates from email marketing'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "weak points" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies specific areas of deficiency, vulnerability, or areas needing improvement. As Ludwig highlights, it's acceptable for identifying areas needing improvement.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

33%

Academia

21%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "weak points" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase, as validated by Ludwig. Its primary function is to identify deficiencies, limitations, or vulnerabilities in various contexts, ranging from project assessments to personal development. Usage patterns show high prevalence in "News & Media", "Science", and "Academia", suggesting a neutral to professional tone. When using "weak points", be specific to ensure clarity and avoid overgeneralizations. For alternative expressions, consider "vulnerabilities", "shortcomings", or "areas for improvement", depending on the specific context. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability for pointing out areas needing improvement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

vulnerabilities

Focuses on susceptibility to harm or attack.

shortcomings

Highlights deficiencies or imperfections.

flaws

Emphasizes defects or imperfections in something.

limitations

Points out the boundaries or restrictions.

deficiencies

Stresses the lack of something necessary or required.

areas for improvement

Suggests aspects that could be made better.

problem areas

Identifies specific regions or aspects causing difficulty.

Achilles' heels

Emphasizes a critical vulnerability that can be exploited.

soft spots

Highlights areas that are easily affected or influenced.

blind spots

Refers to areas where one lacks awareness or understanding.

FAQs

How can I identify the "weak points" of a project?

To identify "weak points", analyze performance metrics, gather feedback from stakeholders, and conduct thorough risk assessments. Focus on areas where goals aren't being met or where resources are strained.

What's a professional way to address "weak points" in a business proposal?

Acknowledge potential "weak points" transparently and offer solutions or mitigation strategies. This demonstrates foresight and builds trust with stakeholders. For instance, you might say, 'One potential limitation is scalability during peak seasons; however, we plan to address this by implementing cloud-based solutions'.

What can I say instead of "weak points"?

You can use alternatives like "vulnerabilities", "shortcomings", or "areas for improvement" depending on the context.

How do I improve my own "weak points"?

Self-awareness is key. Identify your "weak points" through self-reflection and feedback, then focus on targeted training, mentorship, and deliberate practice to develop those areas. Don't hesitate to seek help or delegate tasks that fall outside your strengths.