What is Weakness?
The term weakness refers to a lack of strength, power, or resilience. It can be physical, mental, emotional, or structural in nature. Weakness may describe a personal shortcoming, a flaw in an argument, or even a vulnerability in a system or organization.
Synonyms for Weakness
Strongest Matches (Most Similar in Meaning)
- Frailty – A condition of being weak or delicate.
- Infirmity – Physical or mental weakness due to illness or age.
- Vulnerability – The state of being exposed to harm or attack.
- Fragility – The quality of being easily broken or damaged.
- Debility – Physical weakness, often from illness or aging.
Strong Matches (Closely Related Words)
- Flaw – A defect or imperfection that weakens something.
- Deficiency – A shortcoming or inadequacy in something essential.
- Susceptibility – Being easily affected or influenced.
- Powerlessness – Lack of power or control.
- Shortcoming – A failing or defect in character or ability.
Weak Matches (Loosely Related Words)
- Softness – The quality of lacking firmness or toughness.
- Faintness – A state of lacking energy or strength.
- Delicacy – A quality of being fragile or sensitive.
- Cowardice – Lack of bravery or courage.
- Timidity – A tendency to be easily frightened or hesitant.
Example Sentences for Weakness
- Physical Weakness – “After the long illness, he struggled with persistent weakness in his legs.”
- Emotional Weakness – “Her biggest weakness was her inability to say no to people.”
- Structural Weakness – “The engineer identified a weakness in the building’s foundation.”
- Intellectual Weakness – “The argument’s weakness lay in its lack of supporting evidence.”
- Financial Weakness – “The company’s financial weakness made it vulnerable to acquisition.”
Contextual Usage of Weakness
- In Health & Medicine: “Muscle weakness is a common symptom of vitamin deficiency.”
- In Psychology: “Overthinking can be considered a mental weakness.”
- In Business & Finance: “Market weakness led to a drop in stock prices.”
- In Personal Development: “Acknowledging your weakness is the first step to self-improvement.”
- In Relationships: “Trust issues can be a major weakness in a relationship.”
Related Words
- Impairment – A reduction in strength or ability.
- Handicap – A disadvantage that limits effectiveness.
- Feebleness – The quality of being weak or ineffective.
- Lack – The absence of something necessary.
- Decay – The gradual decline of strength or quality.
Additional Information
- Opposites of Weakness: Strength, power, fortitude, resilience, robustness.
- Idioms & Phrases:
- “Achilles’ heel” – A critical weakness in an otherwise strong entity.
- “Soft spot” – A particular fondness or susceptibility to something.
- “Weak link” – The most vulnerable or unreliable part of a system.
- Psychological Insight: Weakness is often perceived negatively, but acknowledging and working on weaknesses can lead to personal growth and self-improvement.
Disclaimer
This page is for informational purposes only. The definitions, synonyms, and contextual uses provided here are meant for general reference and should not be considered exhaustive or definitive. For medical, psychological, or financial concerns related to weakness, please consult a qualified professional.
