strength
noun
plural strengths
ˈstreŋ(k)ths
ˈstren(t)ths,
ˈstreŋks
1
: the quality or state of being strong : capacity for exertion or endurance
exercises to build body strength = strength-building exercises
a person of great physical strength
2
3
a
: the quality that allows someone to deal with problems in a determined and effective way
strength of character
… a five-minute film that touches on themes of building inner strength and developing a strong sense of self-worth.—Natalie Proulx
… Antonia, graceful and rigid in her chair, breathed calmly in the strength of her convictions.—Joseph Conrad
b
: a quality or feature that makes someone or something effective or useful : a strong attribute or inherent asset
the strengths and the weaknesses of the program
The occasion … invites consumers, corporations and visitors alike to champion the historic strengths and values of the Black family.—Grace Tucker
… the book's strength lies in the subtlety of its argument.—Sheila Tobias
4
a
: degree of potency of effect or of concentration
chili peppers in varying strengths
regular/extra strength cough medicine
—often used in combinationa cleaning solution that should be used at half-strength
industrial-strength floor cleaner
b
: velocity or amount of flow
the strength of the wind
The goal is to not hit the ball the same way twice in a row: vary the spin, the speed, the strength.—Han Ong
c
: intensity of light, color, sound, or odor
But presently the light burst forth with sudden strength …—George Eliot
d
: force of expression or treatment
She was content to fight her own battle with her own weapons, feeling secure in her own strength of purpose and strength of wit.—Anthony Trollope
e
: degree of importance or credibility
the strength of the argument
a case dependent upon the strength of the evidence
5
a
: the power or influence of a group, organization, etc.
a movement that is gathering/gaining strength
the country's military/economic strength
Thousands attended the union's rally in a remarkable show of strength.
b
: force as measured in the number of people in a group, army, team, etc.
an army at full strength
The infantry regiment was the basic building block of armies in the neoclassical age. … British regiments were usually about a thousand men at full strength …—Larry H. Addington
Practicing strength in numbers, the aggressive birds … drive off an uninvited … jackal from the banquet.—National Geographic
6
: one regarded as embodying or affording support
You are my love and my strength.
my strength in times of trouble
7
a
: the value of a country's currency as compared to that of other countries
the strength of the dollar
b
: the financial condition of something
measuring the strength of the economy/market
8
: basis
—used in the phrase on the strength of
I saw the film on the strength of their recommendations.
see also:
Cite this Entry
“Strength.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/strength. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.
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