weaken the ability

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "weaken the ability" is correct and can be used in written English.
It means to make something's ability less strong or effective. Example: The constant exposure to loud noises can weaken the ability to hear in the long run.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

Instead, it will weaken the ability of responsible employers and unions to negotiate secure pension plans.

The New York Times

But killing one could weaken the ability of a family to distinguish friend from interloper.

The New York Times - Science

"You ultimately weaken the ability of the lab to do the things we're asked to do.

The New York Times

1. Safeguard freedom of information: Proposals to limit the use of the Freedom of Information Act would severely weaken the ability of the media to hold the government to account.

The Guardian - Opinion

In an entirely different realm, a property rights case from Nevada and California raises concern that the court may weaken the ability of localities to regulate development and protect environmentally sensitive areas.

The New York Times

The Swiss foreign minister, Joseph Deiss, said his country refused to sign out of fear that "too extensive a use of exceptions may weaken the ability of the court to function effectively".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

On the other hand, transformational leadership has the potential to weaken the abilities of followers and increase their dependency on their leader's recognition and approval (Conger and Kanungo 1998; Yukl 1998).

Frontiers of Business Research in China

Another problem is moisture, which weakens the ability of the matrix to withstand compression.

The New York Times - Science

(A 2007 Supreme Court ruling greatly weakened the ability to do even that).

The New Yorker

A Nest spokeswoman said industry lobbying had weakened the ability of the organisation to serve low-paid workers.

The Guardian - Business

The industry has also been consolidating recently, increasing profits, but weakening the ability of employers to bargain on rates.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "weaken the ability", ensure that the sentence clearly indicates what or who is having their ability weakened and what is causing the weakening. Clarity is key to effective communication.

Common error

Avoid overusing "weaken the ability" in contexts where more specific verbs like "impair", "diminish", or "undermine" might provide a more nuanced and precise meaning. Select the verb that best reflects the specific type of weakening occurring.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "weaken the ability" functions as a verb phrase that describes the action of diminishing the power, capacity, or effectiveness of someone or something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct and usable phrase in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

42%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "weaken the ability" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe a reduction in someone or something's capacity or effectiveness. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. Predominantly found in news and scientific contexts, it maintains a neutral register. When employing this phrase, clarity regarding who or what is being weakened and the cause is essential for effective communication. Consider using more specific alternatives like "diminish the capacity" or "compromise the effectiveness" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

diminish the capacity

Changes the verb and noun while keeping the core meaning of reducing capability.

impair the faculty

Replaces "ability" with "faculty", suggesting a more innate or inherent capacity.

undermine the potential

Shifts focus to future possibility rather than current capability.

erode the competence

Substitutes "ability" with "competence", implying a skill acquired through training or experience.

compromise the effectiveness

Focuses on the degree to which something achieves a desired result.

lessen the strength

Replaces "ability" with "strength", suggesting a more general weakening.

degrade the power

Implies a reduction in the force or intensity that someone or something possesses.

hinder the capability

Focuses on obstructing or impeding the capacity.

cripple the aptitude

Suggests a severe or disabling reduction in natural talent.

attenuate the skill

Implies making a skill thinner, weaker, or less effective.

FAQs

How can I use "weaken the ability" in a sentence?

You can use "weaken the ability" to describe how something reduces someone's capacity to do something. For example, "Lack of sleep can weaken the ability to concentrate."

What are some alternatives to "weaken the ability"?

Alternatives include "diminish the capacity", "impair the faculty", or "compromise the effectiveness", each with slightly different nuances.

Which is correct, "weaken the ability" or "weakens the ability"?

The correct form depends on the subject-verb agreement. Use "weaken the ability" with plural subjects or when using modal verbs (e.g., "They will weaken the ability"). Use "weakens the ability" with singular subjects (e.g., "It weakens the ability").

What's the difference between "weaken the ability" and "erode the ability"?

"Weaken the ability" implies a general reduction in strength or effectiveness, while "erode the ability" suggests a gradual wearing away or deterioration of that ability over time.