Weak
/wiːk/
Definitions
4 meaningsLacking physical strength or energy; not strong.
/wiːk/
Lacking physical strength or energy.
She was feeling weak after the long workout.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're trying to lift a heavy box, but your arms feel like jelly and you can't even budge it. That feeling? You're weak!
👶 For kids: When you don't have much power or energy, like after you get sick or don't eat much.
More Examples
The old building's foundations were weak.
After the illness, he felt weak and needed to rest.
How It's Used
"He felt weak after the flu."
"The team's weak defense allowed the opponent to score easily."
Lacking mental or intellectual strength; not effective or persuasive.
/wiːk/
Lacking mental or intellectual strength or ability.
The company's financial report showed weak sales figures.
💡 Simply: Imagine trying to win a debate, but your points aren't very good. You might have a 'weak' argument, meaning it's not very convincing.
👶 For kids: When something isn't very good or doesn't work well, like a silly reason or a bad plan.
More Examples
His excuse for being late was weak.
The evidence presented was weak and insufficient to convict.
How It's Used
"His argument was weak and unconvincing."
"She made a weak attempt to solve the problem."
Easily influenced or persuaded; lacking resolve.
/wiːk/
Easily influenced or persuaded.
She's weak when it comes to resisting chocolate.
💡 Simply: Imagine someone easily giving in to temptation. If your friend loves ice cream, they might be 'weak' and always say yes when you offer it to them.
👶 For kids: When you can't say no to something, like when you want candy all the time.
More Examples
His weak character led him to make bad decisions.
The politician's weak stance on environmental issues angered many voters.
How It's Used
"She had a weak spot for animals and couldn't say no to them."
"He was weak in his defense of the proposal."
Lacking intensity, force, or effectiveness.
/wiːk/
Lacking intensity or force.
The radio signal was weak in that area.
💡 Simply: Think of a flashlight that doesn't shine very brightly. The light is weak, like a barely lit glow.
👶 For kids: When something isn't very strong or loud, like when the radio is quiet.
More Examples
The coffee tasted weak, lacking strength.
The country's economy showed only weak growth in the last quarter.
How It's Used
"The sunlight was weak through the clouds."
"The economic recovery was weak initially."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
weak at the knees
Feeling extremely weak or emotionally overwhelmed.
"The sight of him made her weak at the knees."
the weak link
The least strong or effective part of a chain, system, or team.
"The sales department proved to be the weak link in the company's success."
From Old English *wāc*, *wǣc* meaning "yielding, pliant, soft" and related to Proto-Germanic *waikaz*. The word evolved to describe a lack of physical or mental strength.
The word 'weak' has been used since the Old English period to describe a lack of physical or mental strength. Its usage has remained consistent across centuries.
Memory tip
Think of a flimsy *week*day that can't handle your toughest tasks to remember this meaning.
Word Origin
"yielding, pliant, soft"