weak showing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "weak showing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a performance or presentation that is subpar or lacking in strength or impact. Example: "The team's weak showing in the final match disappointed their fans, who had high expectations for the season."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

These questions are reflected in General Clark's weak showing in polls in individual states.

The New York Times

Labour's weak showing in Scotland reveals what could be a massive vulnerability.

The Guardian - Books

A surprisingly weak showing resulted in the party barely retaining control over the powerful lower house.

The New York Times

Northern Ireland and Ukraine should be relatively straightforward games, but we often have one weak showing in the group stages.

The Guardian - Sport

Hailemariam Desalegn, who became prime minister following the death of Meles Zenawi in 2012, said last week that it could not be blamed for the opposition's weak showing.

The Guardian

The initial reading on first-quarter growth is expected to be healthy, only weeks after economists were forecasting a weak showing.

The New York Times

David E. Bonior, the House minority leader, was not helped in his race with Brian Palmer, the Republican challenger, by Mr. Fieger's weak showing.

The New York Times

It doesn't account for Trump's relatively weak showing in Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin three states that are home to lots of working-class whites.

The New Yorker

Igor Ananskikh, head of the parliament's sports committee, and other politicians have called for the coach to testify before them over the team's weak showing.

The Guardian - Sport

Porterhouse steak, also flagged on the menu as a house specialty (the echo of Porters was too good to pass up), made a weak showing.

The New York Times - Arts

One reason for the weak showing at shopping malls is that many consumers may be tapped out from buying big items like cars and houses.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "weak showing" to describe a performance or result that falls below expectations or historical norms. Ensure the context clearly identifies what the subject is underperforming in.

Common error

Avoid using "weak showing" to describe something that is simply new or unfamiliar. The phrase implies a decline from a previous, stronger state or a failure to meet established benchmarks.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "weak showing" functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "weak" modifies the noun "showing". This construction describes a performance or result that is deficient or below expectations. As Ludwig AI suggests, it’s grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Sport

10%

Business

8%

Less common in

Science

6%

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "weak showing" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe an underperformance or disappointing result. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely used across various contexts, particularly in news, sports, and business. When using this phrase, ensure that the context clearly defines the expectations that were not met. While the expression is suitable for professional and neutral registers, be mindful to avoid implying a decline when something is simply new or unfamiliar.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

poor performance

Focuses directly on the quality of the execution or output, suggesting a lack of skill or effort.

underwhelming display

Emphasizes the visual or presentational aspect of the performance, highlighting its lack of impact.

disappointing result

Highlights the failure to meet expectations or achieve a desired outcome.

subpar effort

Indicates that the level of exertion or dedication was below the usual standard.

lackluster performance

Suggests a dull, uninspired, or lifeless execution.

deficient showing

Highlights the inadequacy or insufficiency of the performance in meeting certain criteria.

feeble attempt

Emphasizes the weakness or lack of force in the action or effort.

inferior execution

Points out the lower quality of the performance compared to a standard or expectation.

failed endeavor

Focuses on the ultimate lack of success in the attempt or undertaking.

unimpressive outcome

Indicates that the result did not leave a positive or significant impression.

FAQs

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

You can use "weak showing" to describe a situation where something or someone underperforms. For example: "The team's "weak showing" in the tournament led to their elimination."

What are some alternatives to "weak showing"?

Alternatives include "poor performance", "disappointing result", or "lackluster performance", depending on the specific context you want to emphasize.

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

Yes, "weak showing" is appropriate for formal writing, particularly in contexts like news reports, business analyses, or academic papers where you need to describe a substandard performance objectively. The register is generally neutral.

What does "weak showing" imply about prior performance?

"Weak showing" suggests that there was an expectation of better performance, either based on past results or general standards. It implies a decline or failure to meet those expectations.