Weakness
'wiːknəs
Definitions
2 meaningsThe state or condition of lacking strength, power, or ability; a fault or defect.
'wiːknəs
A physical or mental deficiency or failing.
The team's weakness in defense led to their defeat.
💡 Simply: It's like when you feel tired and can't lift heavy things, or when something isn't strong enough to do its job. Imagine your favorite toy is broken—that’s a weakness.
👶 For kids: When you are not strong or good at something. Like when you can't lift a heavy toy.
More Examples
A lack of exercise can contribute to muscle weakness.
Her weakness for chocolate often led to overeating.
How It's Used
"The patient reported general weakness and fatigue."
"The economic weakness of the country is apparent."
A specific vulnerability or susceptibility to something; a failing or a fault in a person's character or in a system.
'wiːknəs
A particular vulnerability or susceptibility.
His weakness was his impatience; he often made hasty decisions.
💡 Simply: It's like knowing your secret soft spot. Maybe you can’t resist ice cream, or you get sad easily. That’s your weakness.
👶 For kids: When you're not good at something or something you really like, that might be your weakness.
More Examples
The company's weakness lay in its outdated technology.
She knew her weakness for gossip and tried to avoid it.
How It's Used
"His weakness for flattery made him easily manipulated."
"Identifying the enemy's weaknesses is crucial for victory."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
Achilles' heel
A particular vulnerability or flaw.
"His Achilles' heel was his tendency to overthink things, making him slow to react."
From Middle English *weknes, weiknes*, equivalent to weak + -ness. The word traces back to Old English *wācnys*
The word 'weakness' has been used since the late 13th century, evolving from the Old English term 'wācnys' and has consistently denoted a lack of strength or a vulnerability.
Memory tip
Think of a 'weak' link in a chain – it represents a weakness that can cause the whole chain to fail.
Word Origin
"wāc (weak) + -nes (state or condition)"