weaker in number

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "weaker in number" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a group that has fewer members compared to another group, often in contexts of competition or comparison. Example: "The opposing team was weaker in number, which made it easier for us to secure the victory."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

While the government is weaker in number, it has gained strength by removing the cloud that the grumblings within Labor had caused.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Parliamentary opposition, weak in numbers and leadership, rarely murmurs objections to those in office.

The Economist

The opposition, which will be weak in numbers, will consist of the leftist Meretz Party, the secularist Shinui Party and the Israeli-Arabs.

The New York Times

Autofluorescent lesions in C57BL/6 C rb1 rd8/rd8 (1) mice were small, weak, reduced in number and located more inferiorly (Fig.  1D F), while typical large lesions were seen in C57BL/6/C rb1 rd8/rd8 (2) mice, but with a high degree of variability (Fig.  1G–I and M).

Human Molecular Genetics

Most notable about it, perhaps, was a telling quote from an unnamed senior adviser to Mr. Romney: "We've had this consistent critique and narrative on Obama's foreign policy, and we felt this was a situation that met our critique, that Obama really has been pretty weak in a number of ways on foreign policy, especially if you look at his dealing with the Arab Spring and its aftermath".

The New York Times

It was weak in a number of areas".

BBC

National health information systems are weak in a number of countries represented here with substantial double-counting or undercounting.

AIDS

The correlations between lung function and HRQL have been shown to be weak in a number of studies [ 21].

Health and Quality of Life Outcomes

3) The RNAseq analysis is weak in a number of areas, or should at least be presented in a different manner.

eLife

The reforms are not perfect – the mayors remain too weak and few in number – and nor are they the panacea to our political problems, but they are a progressive step.

The Guardian - Opinion

Despite these influences, the coins were of genuinely indigenous design, and foreign influences were relatively weak and few in number.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "weaker in number", ensure the context clearly establishes what is being compared and why the difference in quantity is significant. For instance, specify which group is "weaker in number" compared to another and what implications this difference has.

Common error

Ensure you're not using "weaker in number" in a context where the point of reference is unclear. Always provide a clear comparison to another group or entity to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of saying "The team was weaker in number", specify "The team was weaker in number compared to last year's team."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "weaker in number" functions as an adjective phrase that modifies a noun, describing it as having a smaller quantity than something else. It usually implies a comparative context, where the reduced quantity leads to a disadvantage. Ludwig confirms that this phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

20%

Less common in

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "weaker in number" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to describe something having fewer members or a smaller quantity compared to something else. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is usable in written English. Its function is to highlight the impact of this difference, often implying a disadvantage, mainly in news media, science and encyclopedia contexts. Related phrases include "smaller in number" and "fewer in number". When using the phrase, ensure the comparison is clear and relevant to the context. Avoid vagueness by specifying what is being compared and the consequences of the numerical difference. The phrase maintains a neutral to formal tone, making it suitable for a wide range of writing situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

smaller in number

Refers to a reduction in quantity, specifically the amount of members in a group.

fewer in number

Directly indicates a lower quantity or count than a comparable group.

low in numbers

A simple substitution of adjectives to convey the same idea.

outnumbered

Highlights being in a disadvantaged position due to a smaller quantity of members in a group.

reduced in size

Focuses on the overall size of a group being diminished, implying a loss in quantity.

thin on the ground

Emphasizes scarcity or a low presence of something, similar to a reduced quantity.

depleted in ranks

Suggests a loss of members from a group, often due to attrition or conflict.

deficient in quantity

Highlights a lack or insufficiency in the amount present.

lacking in personnel

Specifically refers to a shortage of staff or individuals within an organization.

scarce in membership

Emphasizes the limited availability of members within a group or organization.

FAQs

What does "weaker in number" mean?

It means having fewer members or a smaller quantity compared to something else. It often implies a disadvantage or reduced strength due to the smaller quantity.

What can I say instead of "weaker in number"?

You can use alternatives like "smaller in number", "fewer in number", or "outnumbered" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "weaker in number"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct and commonly used. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is usable in written English.

How does "weaker in number" differ from "less powerful"?

"Weaker in number" specifically refers to a smaller quantity, while "less powerful" implies a general reduction in strength, influence, or ability, which might not be directly related to quantity.