weakest preference

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "weakest preference" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you are discussing choices, options, or rankings, indicating the least favored option among several. Example: "When it comes to selecting a restaurant, my weakest preference is for Italian food, as I would rather have Mexican or Chinese."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Among six tested strains, the N2 laboratory strain had the strongest preference for Serratia over E. coli, and a highly divergent strain, HW, had the weakest preference for Serratia.

G3: Genes, Genomes, Genetics

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

The coalition preferred, while the single male showed a slightly weaker preference for scent marking within the buffer zone along the eastern boundary.

Plosone

In what follows, \ \preceq\) represents a weak preference relation, i.e., the relation "… is not preferred to …".

SEP

In the given auction two diamonds by Fred Gitelman (North) was either a weak preference to two hearts or fourth-suit game-forcing.

The New York Times

A weak preference for twinning was found for smaller grain boundary misorientation angles.

Acta Materialia

Let \(S\) be a finite set, and \ \preceq\) a weak preference relation on \(S\).

SEP

This contradicts transitivity of indifference, and therefore also transitivity of weak preference.

SEP

A weak preference relation ≽ is called quasi-transitive if its strict part ≻ is transitive.

SEP

(For a simple proof of Theorem 1, except for a strict rather than a weak preference relation, consult Peterson 2009: 95).

SEP

Start with the Completeness axiom, which says that an agent can compare, in terms of the weak preference relation, all pairs of options in \(S\).

SEP

Participants aged between 31 and 40 have a weaker preference for moral leadership than those aged below 30 (β = − 0.11, p < 0.05).

Frontiers of Business Research in China

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing a range of options, use "weakest preference" to clearly identify the least favored choice, providing a comprehensive overview of your priorities or inclinations.

Common error

Avoid using "weakest preference" when you actually mean indifference. "Weakest preference" implies a slight inclination, while indifference means no preference at all. Using the terms interchangeably can lead to misunderstanding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "weakest preference" functions as a noun phrase, where "weakest" modifies the noun "preference". It identifies the option or choice that is the least favored among a set of alternatives. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

100%

Less common in

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "weakest preference" is a grammatically sound and readily understood expression used to denote the least favored option among a set of choices. While relatively rare in occurrence, as indicated by Ludwig, its meaning is consistent across various contexts, primarily appearing in scientific literature. When employing this phrase, it's crucial to differentiate it from indifference, ensuring that a slight inclination is indeed present. As alternatives, consider using "least preferred option" or "lowest priority" for nuanced communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

least preferred option

Changes the wording to emphasize the act of preferring, maintaining a formal tone.

negligible preference

Emphasizes the insignificance of the preference.

lowest priority

Shifts the focus to prioritization rather than preference, implying a ranking system.

least favorite choice

Replaces 'preference' with 'choice' and 'weakest' with 'least favorite', making it slightly more informal.

minor inclination

Uses 'inclination' instead of 'preference', suggesting a slight leaning rather than a strong choice.

slightest liking

Emphasizes the emotional aspect, suggesting a minimal level of positive feeling.

poorest selection

Focuses on the quality of the selection rather than the act of preferring.

bottom of the list

Uses an idiomatic expression to indicate the lowest ranking in a set of preferences.

last resort

Highlights that the option is only considered when all others are unavailable.

disfavored alternative

Replaces 'preference' with 'alternative' and uses 'disfavored' to indicate lack of favor.

FAQs

How can I use "weakest preference" in a sentence?

You can use "weakest preference" to indicate the least favored option among several choices. For example: "Among various activities, my "weakest preference" is for doing chores."

What is an alternative to saying "weakest preference"?

Alternatives to "weakest preference" include "least preferred option", "lowest priority", or "least favorite choice", depending on the specific context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "weakest preference"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. The phrase follows standard English grammar rules and is readily understandable.

What does "weakest preference" mean in decision-making?

In decision-making, "weakest preference" signifies the option that is least appealing or desirable compared to other available options. It helps in ranking and prioritizing choices.