weakest ability

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "weakest ability" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing someone's least developed skill or area of competence. Example: "In the team assessment, we identified that her weakest ability is public speaking, which she is actively working to improve."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Polymer

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

The BnEmBn triblock copolymers exhibit the strongest ability of organization into spherulites, whereas the EmBnEm triblock copolymers show the weakest ability of organization into spherulites.

Polymer

Thus the Phos-D peptide, which has an atypical CPPSPXS motif (Figure 2), has the weakest ability to inhibit β-catenin phosphorylation by GSK3 in vitro (Figure 3) and also the least ability to activate β-catenin signaling in vivo when it is transferred to a heterologous receptor [37].

Plosone

The hexane extract presented the weakest ability to scavenge DPPH free radicals with the EC50 value of 0.347 mg/ml.

BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine

Compared to 11 other BCG strains, including BCG-Russia, -Moreau, -Japan, -Sweden, -Danish, -Glaxo, and -Pasteur that have been analyzed in the current study, BCG-Prague consistently exhibited the weakest ability to induce delayed type hypersensitivity to tuberculin in children [ 63] or in guinea pig models [ 64].

BMC Genomics

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

The most likely upshot is that it becomes "a moribund and discredited institution, as existed in the 1950s, with ever weaker ability to hold the government to account".

The Guardian - Opinion

Any weak ability of graphology to predict personality could be based on gender and social status information naturally implicit in most handwriting.

The Guardian

Several other food safety experts said the lag in finding the source of the contamination reflected the government and the industry's weak ability to track the source of problems in the nation's food supply.

The New York Times

The presumed particles would weigh at least 50 times as much as a proton and would almost always pass through other matter without a trace because of an extremely weak ability to interact with it.

The New York Times

A report last week from Secretary General Kofi Annan concluded, "The gender dynamics of the epidemic are far-reaching due to women's weaker ability to negotiate safe sex, and their generally lower social and economic status".

The New York Times

Weak ability to resist electromagnetic interference.

Chinese Journal of Mechanical Engineering

(2) Weak ability to resist electromagnetic interference  .

Chinese Journal of Mechanical Engineering

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "weakest ability", ensure you provide context or a specific area of reference to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of saying "Her weakest ability is...", specify "Her weakest ability is public speaking".

Common error

Avoid using "weakest ability" without specifying the skill or area you are referring to. Saying someone's "weakest ability" without context can be vague and unhelpful. Instead, provide specific examples or clarify the area where they struggle.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "weakest ability" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "weakest" modifies the noun "ability". It serves to identify an area of relative deficiency. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

25%

Polymer

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "weakest ability" is a grammatically correct way to refer to an area of relative deficiency. Ludwig AI validates its usability in written English. While the phrase itself is straightforward, providing context is crucial for clarity. It appears most frequently in scientific contexts, followed by news and media. Alternative phrases like "least developed skill" or "area needing most improvement" can offer a more nuanced or positive framing. When using this phrase, ensure you specify the skill or area you are referencing to avoid vagueness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

greatest weakness

Uses 'weakness' directly as a synonym for lack of ability.

least developed skill

Focuses on skill development rather than inherent ability.

most limited capability

Emphasizes a restriction in potential or capacity.

poorest aptitude

Highlights a natural inclination or talent that is lacking.

lowest competence

Stresses a lack of proficiency or qualification.

area of greatest difficulty

Shifts the focus to the challenges faced in a specific area.

area needing most improvement

Focuses on the potential for growth and development.

biggest struggle

Indicates a significant challenge or effort required.

most challenging aspect

Highlights the difficulty associated with a particular task or area.

major deficiency

Highlights a substantial shortcoming or defect.

FAQs

What does "weakest ability" mean?

The phrase "weakest ability" refers to the skill or area where someone performs with the least proficiency or competence compared to their other skills. It signifies a relative deficiency rather than an absolute lack of skill.

What can I say instead of "weakest ability"?

You can use alternatives like "least developed skill", "most limited capability", or "area needing most improvement" depending on the context.

How can I identify someone's "weakest ability"?

Identifying someone's "weakest ability" typically involves observation, assessment, and comparison of their performance across various tasks or skills. Feedback from others and self-reflection can also be valuable.

Is it better to focus on improving my "weakest ability" or strengthening my strongest ones?

The optimal approach depends on your goals. Focusing on your "weakest ability" can lead to well-roundedness, while strengthening your strongest abilities can maximize your unique talents and potential for excellence. A balanced approach is often recommended.