weakness

noun

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

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.
Sales in international markets rose 0.1%, saddled by weakness in Britain. Savyata Mishra, USA TODAY, 11 Feb. 2025 But Butler’s debut signified the Warriors’ most hopeful moment in months, an introduction of a superstar who seems to blend well into their system, helps solve their biggest weaknesses and accentuates Curry, who has been dying for a co-star for a few seasons. Anthony Slater, The Athletic, 9 Feb. 2025 Injury or damage to this nerve can cause pain, weakness, and muscle paralysis. Lindsay Curtis, Health, 8 Feb. 2025 The company identified no material weaknesses in its internal controls over financial reporting during the quarter. Quartz Intelligence Newsroom, Quartz, 7 Feb. 2025 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

Dictionary Entries Near weakness

Cite this Entry

“Weakness.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/weakness. Accessed 21 Feb. 2025.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on weakness

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