WEAK Synonyms: 291 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the adjective 'weak' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of weak are decrepit , feeble , fragile , frail , and infirm . While all these words mean "not strong enough to endure strain, pressure, or strenuous effort," weak applies to deficiency or inferiority in strength or power of any sort. // felt weak after the surgery

Q: When is it sensible to use 'decrepit' instead of 'weak'?

The synonyms decrepit and weak are sometimes interchangeable, but decrepit implies being worn-out or broken-down from long use or old age. // the dowager's decrepit retainers

Q: In what contexts can 'feeble' take the place of 'weak'?

Although the words feeble and weak have much in common, feeble suggests extreme weakness inviting pity or contempt. // a feeble attempt to walk

Q: When might 'fragile' be a better fit than 'weak'?

While in some cases nearly identical to weak , fragile suggests frailty and brittleness unable to resist rough usage. // a reclusive poet too fragile for the rigors of this world

Q: When is 'frail' a more appropriate choice than 'weak'?

The meanings of frail and weak largely overlap; however, frail implies delicacy and slightness of constitution or structure. // a frail teenager unable to enjoy sports

Q: Where would 'infirm' be a reasonable alternative to 'weak'?

The words infirm and weak are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, infirm suggests instability, unsoundness, and insecurity due to old age or crippling illness. // infirm residents requiring constant care

weak

adjective

ˈwēk

Definition of weak next

as in weakened

lacking bodily strength the little boy was simply too weak to lift the box

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in soft

lacking strength of will or character I was too weak to resist the free doughnuts in the office break room

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as in thin

not containing very much of some important element the coffee came out too weak because I didn't use enough ground beans

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as in unreasonable

not using or following good reasoning your argument is weak

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as in helpless

unable to act or achieve one's purpose the vice president is a relatively weak official

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a weak position

a vulnerable position

a susceptible position

an insecure position

a fragile position

a poor position

a weak economy

a feeble economy

a vulnerable economy

a fragile economy

an unstable economy

a frail economy

weak signals

poor signals

poor-quality signals

unreliable signals

insufficient signals

inadequate signals

a weak solution

an inconsistent solution

an inadequate solution

an ineffectual solution

a faulty solution

a deficient solution

a weak smile

a feeble smile

a pathetic smile

a faint smile

a limp smile

an unconvincing smile

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective weak contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of weak are decrepit, feeble, fragile, frail, and infirm. While all these words mean "not strong enough to endure strain, pressure, or strenuous effort," weak applies to deficiency or inferiority in strength or power of any sort.

felt weak after the surgery

When is it sensible to use decrepit instead of weak?

The synonyms decrepit and weak are sometimes interchangeable, but decrepit implies being worn-out or broken-down from long use or old age.

the dowager's decrepit retainers

In what contexts can feeble take the place of weak?

Although the words feeble and weak have much in common, feeble suggests extreme weakness inviting pity or contempt.

a feeble attempt to walk

When might fragile be a better fit than weak?

While in some cases nearly identical to weak, fragile suggests frailty and brittleness unable to resist rough usage.

a reclusive poet too fragile for the rigors of this world

When is frail a more appropriate choice than weak?

The meanings of frail and weak largely overlap; however, frail implies delicacy and slightness of constitution or structure.

a frail teenager unable to enjoy sports

Where would infirm be a reasonable alternative to weak?

The words infirm and weak are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, infirm suggests instability, unsoundness, and insecurity due to old age or crippling illness.

infirm residents requiring constant care

Examples Sentences

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.

Recent Examples of weak Meanwhile, the relative economic decline of the G-7 countries has enhanced the bargaining leverage of weaker states. —

Alexander Cooley, Foreign Affairs, 7 Jan. 2025 Weaker Iran could open door to new nuclear talks under Trump: 'New sheriff in town,' says Pompeo Former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo reacts to speculation that a weak Iran could open the door to new nuclear talks and how the second Trump administration can hold Iran accountable. —

Greg Norman, Fox News, 7 Jan. 2025 Area roads could become dangerously slick Monday morning as a weak system is expected to bring freezing rain overnight, according to the National Weather Service. —

Frank Vaisvilas, Journal Sentinel, 22 Dec. 2024 Houston will be a weaker team in 2025, but one Brown still believes can capture an American League West championship. —

Chandler Rome, The Athletic, 21 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for weak

Recent Examples of Synonyms for weak

Adjective

The faux leather exterior is sleek and practical for this time of year, while the inside has a thin fleece lining to keep you warm.

— Nicol Natale, People.com, 13 Jan. 2025
From pencil thin brows to cool-toned smokey eyes, all the cool girls are channeling that iconic vintage supermodel aesthetic.

— Kleigh Balugo, StyleCaster, 13 Jan. 2025