weakness

noun

weak·​ness ˈwēk-nəs How to pronounce weakness (audio)
Synonyms of weaknessnext
1
: the quality or state of being weak
also : an instance or period of being weak
backed down in a moment of weakness
2
: fault, defect
3
a
: a special desire or fondness
has a weakness for sweets
b
: an object of special desire or fondness
pizza is my weakness

Synonyms of weakness

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Examples of weakness in a Sentence

The weakness of her voice surprised me. The incident exposed his weakness as a leader. Some see compromise as a sign of weakness. the weakness of a radio signal connection the weakness of the dollar I told them my secret in a moment of weakness. The tutor assessed the student's strengths and weaknesses. The basketball team has few weaknesses. Chocolate is my greatest weakness. He has a weakness for desserts.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Other experts say that unless Japan addresses the structural forces driving the weakness in yen, the intervention's effects are likely to be short-lived. — Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 4 Aug. 2026 What started as weakness in one thumb has now spread to all four limbs. — Christopher Campos, STAT, 3 Aug. 2026 But the factors that have contributed to the yen’s long-term weakness remain. — Mayuko Ono, Los Angeles Times, 3 Aug. 2026 The core challenge is agents' ability to exploit existing weaknesses at scale, necessitating improved governance and careful permission management. — Sandy Carter, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for weakness

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of weakness was in the 14th century

Rhymes for weakness

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Browse Nearby Words

weak neck
weakness
weaks
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Cite this Entry

“Weakness.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/weakness. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

weakness

noun
weak·​ness ˈwēk-nəs How to pronounce weakness (audio)
1
: the quality or state of being weak
2
: a weak point : fault, defect
a person with few weaknesses
3
a
: a special desire or fondness
has a weakness for chocolate
b
: an object of special desire or fondness
movies are my weakness

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