weakness

noun

weak·​ness ˈwēk-nəs 

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

• asthenia
• debilitation
• debility
• delicacy
• enervation
• enfeeblement
• faintness
• feebleness
• fragility
• frailness
• frailty
• infirmity
• languidness
• languor
• listlessness
• lowness
• wimpiness

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

More news: Dodgers to Sign Asian Star to 3-Year Contract For teams trying to upgrade a position of weakness on a budget, Moncada could represent a high-upside play on a short-term contract. —Newsweek, 5 Jan. 2025

Several stocks are primed for a bounce after recent weakness at the turn of the new year. —Pia Singh, CNBC, 4 Jan. 2025

Plucked from its context, stripped of its tone, it could just as easily be read as an admission of weakness. —Rory Smith, The Athletic, 3 Jan. 2025

One of the Giants’ weaknesses is their starting lineup. —Hank Gola, New York Daily News, 3 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

weakness

noun

weak·​ness ˈwēk-nəs 

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