weaker

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "weaker" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that has less strength, power, or effectiveness compared to something else. Example: "The new model is weaker than the previous version, which has raised concerns among users."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This reported that the weaker mixture was modestly protective.

The Economist

The weaker currency that would result from leaving the euro is not a get out of jail free card, far from it.

The Guardian - Business

Labour is facing a desperate battle to stop a Scottish National party landslide after a poll showed the SNP had a clear but weaker lead across Labour constituencies in Scotland.

The Guardian

Iron ore is trading at a six-year low of around $US55 per tonne amid weaker Chinese demand.

The Guardian - Business

Engagement is pretty weak tea: but divestment is weaker still in terms of practical effects: it just transfers shares to investors who don't care at all.

The Guardian

George Osborne has told public sector workers and the low paid that they will be the ones to pick up the bill for his attempts to kickstart Britain's stagnant economy, and warned that weaker growth and higher borrowing would force the country to endure a record breaking six years of austerity.

The Guardian

But business investment growth is again going to come in weaker than expected, making the path to better balanced growth an uphill one.

The Guardian

There may well be a man or two concealed somewhere in the vast expanse of the Royal Albert Hall, but if there are indeed any members of the weaker sex present, they had better not hear the urgent tinkle of nature's call.

The Guardian

"As you age you become weaker and you can't do agriculture; if I get money, I want to build my own business premises, so that I do not have to pay rent".

The Guardian

"The US economy has been adding jobs at a strong pace in the past three years, but this report was on the weaker side.

The Guardian - Business

Overall the FTSE 100 is currently 13.57 points higher at 6580.81, with mining shares boosted by the better than expected Chinese trade figures, although imports were weaker than expected, and inflation data continued to suggest a slowdown.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "weaker", ensure you provide context to clarify what is being compared. For example, "the weaker economy" versus "the stronger economy".

Common error

Avoid using "weaker" without specifying the attribute or quality being compared. Be specific to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of saying "the product is weaker", specify "the product's performance is weaker".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "weaker" is as a comparative adjective. It modifies a noun by indicating that it possesses less of a particular quality or attribute when compared to another. Ludwig examples highlight this use in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Formal & Business

24%

Science

15%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The adjective "weaker" serves to make comparisons, indicating a reduced level of strength or effectiveness. It's grammatically sound and very common, as confirmed by Ludwig's extensive examples. Proper usage involves specifying the attribute being compared to avoid ambiguity. Ludwig's analysis underscores its broad applicability across various domains, including news, business, and science, typically maintaining a neutral tone. For alternative phrasing, consider options like "less powerful" or ""more fragile"" for nuanced meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

less powerful

Indicates a reduction in power or force.

less effective

Focuses on a decrease in the ability to produce a desired result.

less robust

Suggests a lack of durability or resilience.

more fragile

Emphasizes vulnerability to damage or collapse.

less resilient

Implies a reduced capacity to recover quickly from difficulties.

more vulnerable

Highlights a susceptibility to harm or attack.

compromised

Suggests that something has been weakened or put at risk.

more delicate

Suggests a need for careful handling due to sensitivity.

impaired

Indicates a diminished function or ability.

attenuated

Describes a diminished or reduced state, often in a scientific context.

FAQs

How can I use "weaker" in a sentence?

The word "weaker" is the comparative form of the adjective "weak". You can use it to compare two things, indicating that one has less strength or effectiveness than the other. For example: "This rope is "more fragile" than that one."

What are some alternatives to saying "weaker"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "less powerful", ""more fragile"", or "less effective". Each of these carries a slightly different nuance.

When is it appropriate to use "weaker" in formal writing?

Using "weaker" is appropriate in formal writing when you need to make a comparison indicating a reduced level of strength, performance, or effectiveness. Ensure that the context is clear and the comparison is well-defined.

What's the difference between "weaker" and "less strong"?

While "weaker" and "less strong" are similar, "weaker" often implies a more general deficiency in overall capability or robustness. "Less strong" specifically refers to physical strength or force, although the terms can often be used interchangeably depending on the context.