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
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.
Watch for heavy sweating, dizziness, weakness, headache, nausea, muscle cramps, a fast pulse or a faint feeling. Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 6 July 2026 These ardent vows notwithstanding, the riven Ahab periodically yearns for the peace and comforts of home while viewing such tender, human feelings as weakness. Literary Hub, 6 July 2026 Klement suggested that recent weakness reflects investors rotating into AI trades rather than deteriorating defense fundamentals. Elsa Ohlen, CNBC, 6 July 2026 The study, whose goal is to identify weaknesses in AI systems to help build stronger defenses, focuses on AI systems that use both images and text. Laurie Mermet, Sun Sentinel, 6 July 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

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Cite this Entry

“Weakness.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/weakness. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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

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