weakened resolve

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "weakened resolve" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone's determination or willpower has diminished or become less strong. Example: "After facing numerous setbacks, her once unwavering confidence was replaced by a weakened resolve to continue pursuing her dreams."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

However, if the plan was to weaken resolve, it would not seem to have worked.

Independent

Mr. Bacon said the fine was not meant to be an indication of weakening resolve to punish companies found to be violating the embargo.

The New York Times

Decades later the Nazis also knew the importance of symbolism, using mass rallies and intimidation to weaken resolve, to win a war.

The Guardian

Like them it is trying to weaken resolve by targeting the security forces on which the government depends.Many Yemeni jihadists want to overthrow the country's secular government and replace it with an Islamist caliphate.

The Economist

In this context, the attack on the Peshawar school can be seen as a sign of weakness rather than strength – the logic, such as it is, can only have been that by demonstrating new levels of barbarity the attack would weaken resolve within Pakistan.

Independent

Instead of weakening resolve, the lengthy conflict may have hardened solidarity among those who view the president as holding back a wave of Islamic extremists funded by Turkey, Arab states and the West.

Los Angeles Times

Humour weakens resolve and promotes brand preference, 30 so the prudent response to the drug rep's spiel would be "Don't make me laugh".

British Medical Journal

"This weakened the resolve of the elders," Mr. Mohammed said.

The New York Times

The passion in his pages weakened her resolve.

The New York Times

Moscow may also misjudge ongoing political demonstrations in Georgia as a sign of weakened national resolve.

The New York Times

But defections and the passage of time weakened Democratic resolve, and, on October 13th, the plan sponsored by DeLay was passed.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "weakened resolve" to describe a situation where initial determination has been reduced due to challenges, setbacks, or changing circumstances. This phrase is particularly effective when emphasizing the contrast between a previous state of strong determination and a current state of diminished willpower.

Common error

Avoid using "weakened resolve" when the situation involves a complete loss of determination, as the phrase implies a reduction rather than a total absence. In cases of complete loss, consider using phrases like "lost all resolve" or "utterly discouraged".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "weakened resolve" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "weakened" acts as a past participle adjective modifying the noun "resolve". According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

30%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "weakened resolve" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe a state of reduced determination or commitment. According to Ludwig AI, the expression is correct and usable in written English. While its usage is relatively uncommon, it is found primarily in news and media, science, and formal business contexts. When using this phrase, ensure it accurately reflects a reduction in determination rather than a complete loss of it. Consider alternatives like "diminished determination" or "eroded commitment" for nuanced expression. Be mindful of common errors, such as using the phrase when there's a complete lack of resolve, and tailor your language to fit the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

diminished determination

Replaces "resolve" with "determination" and "weakened" with "diminished", emphasizing a reduction in firmness of purpose.

eroded commitment

Substitutes "resolve" with "commitment" and "weakened" with "eroded", highlighting a gradual decline in dedication.

reduced fortitude

Replaces "resolve" with "fortitude" and "weakened" with "reduced", focusing on a decrease in mental and emotional strength.

lessened conviction

Substitutes "resolve" with "conviction" and "weakened" with "lessened", indicating a decrease in the strength of belief.

waning spirit

Replaces "resolve" with "spirit" and "weakened" with "waning", suggesting a fading enthusiasm or morale.

flagging zeal

Replaces "resolve" with "zeal" and "weakened" with "flagging", emphasizing a decline in passion or eagerness.

faltering dedication

Substitutes "resolve" with "dedication" and "weakened" with "faltering", highlighting an unsteady or unreliable commitment.

declining will

Replaces "resolve" with "will" and "weakened" with "declining", focusing on a reduction in the power of choice or intention.

compromised resilience

Substitutes "resolve" with "resilience" and "weakened" with "compromised", indicating a reduced ability to recover from difficulties.

undermined steadfastness

Replaces "resolve" with "steadfastness" and "weakened" with "undermined", highlighting a diminished ability to remain firm or unwavering.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "weakened resolve" in a sentence?

Use "weakened resolve" to illustrate a situation where someone's initial determination or commitment has diminished over time due to various factors. For example: "After facing numerous defeats, the team's "weakened resolve" was evident".

What are some alternatives to "weakened resolve"?

You can use alternatives like "diminished determination", "eroded commitment", or "reduced fortitude" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "weaken resolve" instead of "weakened resolve"?

While "weaken resolve" can be used, it serves a different grammatical purpose. "Weaken resolve" functions as a verb phrase, indicating the act of diminishing someone's determination. "Weakened resolve", on the other hand, functions as a noun phrase describing the state of reduced determination.

What's the difference between "weakened resolve" and "lost resolve"?

"Weakened resolve" implies a reduction in determination, whereas "lost resolve" suggests a complete absence of determination. The former indicates a state of diminished willpower, while the latter indicates a state of complete discouragement.