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.
Alonso is leaning into Chelsea’s strength — the transitional attacking power of his front three — and working on protecting the weakness, giving up too much space for his team to defend. — Jon MacKenzie, New York Times, 1 Sep. 2026 To address that weakness, Jets coach Aaron Glenn and general manager Darren Mougey added more beef on the interior by acquiring Sweat in a trade, signing Onyemata, and drafting Jackson. — Antwan Staley, New York Daily News, 31 Aug. 2026 Given most late-summer midterm-election-year weakness has been more than recovered right afterward, the proper course of action now becomes even more obscure. — Michael Santoli, CNBC, 31 Aug. 2026 More than any position group, the Terps’ weakness right now is just sustaining success – for a full season or even a full 60 minutes in big games. — Noah Trister, Chicago Tribune, 31 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 1 Sep. 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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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