weapons proliferation

USAGE SUMMARY

"weapons proliferation" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It refers to the spread or increased availability of weapons, particularly in a specific region or among a certain group of people. Example: The United Nations has been working to prevent the proliferation of nuclear weapons among smaller nations. In this sentence, "weapons proliferation" is used to describe the spread of nuclear weapons among smaller nations.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

We rightly complain about weapons proliferation by China and Russia.

The New York Times

It comes down to two words: weapons proliferation.

The New York Times

Efforts to halt nuclear weapons proliferation met with mixed success.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The gravity of nuclear proliferation significantly outweighs that of either chemical weapons or biological weapons proliferation.

Yale University

Kreps teaches classes on international law, weapons proliferation, peace and conflict studies, and international relations theory.

Cornell University

This can contribute to easing global tensions and reduce the likelihood of further nuclear weapons proliferation.

The Guardian - Opinion

This must be the year the world gets serious about nuclear weapons proliferation.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

Covers policies and methods for limiting nuclear-weapons proliferation, including nuclear detection, materials security and fuel-cycle policy.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Thus fast reactors and breeders will provide extraordinary long-term medical dangers and the perfect situation for nuclear-weapons proliferation.

Huffington Post

Usually, fears about nuclear-weapons proliferation surface when France touts its wares around the world.

The Economist

It could, for example, be applied to determine the potential of the PBR for resisting nuclear-weapons proliferation and to optimize proliferation-resistant features.

Annals of Nuclear Energy

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "weapons proliferation" when referring to the spread of weapons on a global or regional scale. For a single instance, consider "arms smuggling" or "illegal weapons trade".

Common error

Avoid using "weapons proliferation" when you actually mean "weapons production". "Proliferation" refers to the spread of existing weapons, while "production" refers to the creation of new ones.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "weapons proliferation" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It typically serves as the subject or object of a sentence, describing the spread or increase in the availability of weapons. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "weapons proliferation" is a common and grammatically correct term used to describe the spread or increase in availability of weapons. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, noting frequent appearances in news media, academic writing, and encyclopedias. When using this phrase, specificity regarding the type of weapon is encouraged. While alternatives like "arms race" or "spread of armaments" exist, "weapons proliferation" maintains a unique focus on dissemination, distinct from production. It is important to remember that "weapons proliferation" describes a trend, not a singular event, and can have negative connotations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

proliferation of nuclear weapons

More specific, focusing only on nuclear weapons.

weapons dissemination

Focuses on the act of spreading weapons.

spread of armaments

Emphasizes the geographical distribution of weapons.

growth of weapons stockpiles

Refers to the increasing accumulation of weapons.

increase in weapon availability

Focuses on the increased accessibility of weapons.

uncontrolled weapons distribution

Highlights the lack of regulation in weapons dissemination.

arms race

Focuses more on the competitive aspect of acquiring weapons.

expansion of military arsenals

Emphasizes the growth of weapon stockpiles.

nuclear arms race

Specifically refers to the competitive buildup of nuclear weapons.

outbreak of weapons

Implies a sudden and widespread increase in weapons.

FAQs

How is "weapons proliferation" typically used in a sentence?

The phrase "weapons proliferation" typically functions as a noun, describing the spread or increase in the availability of weapons. For example, "The treaty aims to curb nuclear weapons proliferation."

What are some alternative phrases for "weapons proliferation"?

You can use alternatives such as "spread of armaments", "proliferation of nuclear weapons", or "uncontrolled weapons distribution" depending on the specific context. See also "arms race".

What's the difference between "weapons proliferation" and "arms race"?

"Weapons proliferation" refers to the spread of weapons to new actors or regions, while "arms race" describes a competitive buildup of weapons between two or more entities.

Is it correct to use "weapons proliferation" when talking about a single instance of weapon smuggling?

No, "weapons proliferation" describes a broader trend. For a single instance, it's more accurate to use terms like "arms smuggling" or "illegal weapons trade".