weathering

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "weathering" is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it to describe the process of gradual alteration caused by elements of the environment to a surface or material. For example, "The statue was heavily weathered by its long exposure to the elements."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

As you've discovered, weathering difficulties in a relationship draws on specialist skills that can leave the carer feeling washed up and redundant when tranquillity is restored.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

As for the Czech Republic, they merited their win tonight for weathering the early Polish storm before calmly taking a stranglehold on the game, eventually wearing Poland down in the second half and taking their best chance clinically.

The Guardian - Sport

Analysts say firms like Subway and Greggs, which both offer £3 lunch deals, are weathering the storm because they appeal to hard-pressed consumers who are seeking out affordable treats, like burgers and crème brûlée macchiatos, rather than splashing out on new outfits and video games.

The Guardian - Business

The company is now weathering recession at home much better than its peers.

The Economist

In America women at first seemed to be weathering the recession rather well.

The Economist

As I write in this week's print edition, these schools are a remarkable success story, and testimony to the ongoing influence of the church at a time Irish Catholicism as a whole is weathering some severe storms.

The Economist

GROVESAshford, KentCut Europe adriftSIR The case that Europe needs America ("Weathering the storm", September 9th) is manifestly clear and obvious.

The Economist

Part of the reason is that the finance sector, which accounted for 40% of wages in 2008, has recovered smartly from the crisis of 2008 thanks in large part to government bail-outs.Bob Steel, New York's deputy mayor for economic development (and a former vice-chairman of Goldman Sachs), said the groundwork for weathering the crisis was laid down long before the difficulties began.

The Economist

For example, platforms may be removed if waiting for a permit means weathering another hurricane season (in 2005 150 defunct platforms in the Gulf of Mexico were toppled by winds and waves).

The Economist

As countries across the Middle East slide into deeper chaos, Morocco seems to be weathering the Arab uprisings, neither imploding nor imposing harsh repression.Yet in the museum's basement, the work of young Moroccan artists hints at the country's many unsolved problems, and the fragility of its social peace.

The Economist

In 2012 two Saudi women took part in the Olympics for the first time, weathering a torrent of abuse.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "weathering" to describe a company's performance, ensure the context clearly indicates the challenges the company is facing, such as economic downturns or market volatility.

Common error

Avoid using "weathering" solely to describe natural processes. While it aptly describes erosion and environmental degradation, it also applies metaphorically to social, economic, and personal challenges. Make sure to accurately reflect the context and scope of its application.

Linguistic Context

"Weathering" functions primarily as a verb, often in its present participle form, indicating an ongoing process of enduring or withstanding something. It can also function as a noun, referring to the process of breaking down or altering materials. Ludwig confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "weathering" is a versatile term primarily functioning as a verb or noun, signifying endurance or the process of environmental degradation. Ludwig AI affirms its correctness and usability across diverse contexts. It is frequently employed in News & Media and Encyclopedias. To ensure clarity, use it to precisely reflect the context of physical or metaphorical challenges, avoiding overgeneralization. Synonyms like "enduring" or "withstanding" can offer subtle variations in meaning. Remember that while erosion specifies surface-level wear, "weathering" encompasses broader alterations from environmental exposure.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

enduring

Focuses on the act of withstanding difficulties.

withstanding

Implies resistance against a force or pressure.

overcoming

Highlights the successful navigation of challenges.

braving

Emphasizes courage in facing adverse conditions.

withstanding the test of time

Specifically relates to long-term durability and survival.

withstanding the elements

Highlights the resilience of things to external factors.

showing resilience

Focuses on the capacity to recover quickly from difficulties.

degradation by the elements

Describes the effects of environmental factors on an object.

erosion

Involves the gradual destruction or diminution of something.

deterioration

Highlights the process of becoming progressively worse.

FAQs

How can I use "weathering" in a sentence?

"Weathering" can describe physical processes, like "The statue is "weathered" by centuries of exposure", or metaphorical challenges, like "The company is "weathering a storm" of negative publicity".

What are some synonyms for "weathering" in the context of overcoming adversity?

In the context of overcoming adversity, you can use synonyms like "enduring", "withstanding", or "overcoming".

Is it correct to use "weathering" to describe only physical processes?

No, "weathering" can be used both literally to describe physical processes, such as the effect of the elements on rocks, and metaphorically to describe how something withstands difficult circumstances.

What's the difference between "weathering" and "erosion"?

"Weathering" refers to the process of breaking down or altering materials due to exposure to the environment, while "erosion" specifically refers to the wearing away of the surface by wind, water, or other agents.