Main Entry: weak

Pronunciation: \ˈwēk\

Function: adjective

Etymology: Middle English weike, from Old Norse veikr; akin to Old English wīcan to yield, Greek eikein to give way, Sanskrit vijate he speeds, flees

Date: 14th century

1 : lacking strength: as a : deficient in physical vigor : feeble, debilitated b : not able to sustain or exert much weight, pressure, or strain c : not able to resist external force or withstand attack d : easily upset or nauseated <a weak stomach>
2 a : mentally or intellectually deficient b : not firmly decided : vacillating c : resulting from or indicating lack of judgment or discernment d : not able to withstand temptation or persuasion <the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak>
3 : not factually grounded or logically presented <a weak argument>
4 a : not able to function properly <weak eyes> b (1) : lacking skill or proficiency <tutoring for weaker students> (2) : indicative of a lack of skill or aptitude <history was my weakest subject> c : wanting in vigor of expression or effect <a weak translation of the poem>
5 a : deficient in the usual or required ingredients : dilute <weak coffee> b : lacking normal intensity or potency <a weak radio signal> <a weak strain of virus>
6 a : not having or exerting authority or political power <weak government> b : ineffective, impotent
7 : of, relating to, or constituting a verb or verb conjugation that in English forms the past tense and past participle by adding the suffix -ed or -d or -t
8 a : bearing the minimal degree of stress occurring in the language <a weak syllable> b : having little or no stress and obscured vowel sound <'d in he'd is the weak form of would>
9 : tending toward a lower price or value <a weak market> <a weak dollar>
10 : ionizing only slightly in solution <weak acids and bases>

— weak·ly adverb

synonyms weak, feeble, frail, fragile, infirm, decrepit mean not strong enough to endure strain, pressure, or strenuous effort. weak applies to deficiency or inferiority in strength or power of any sort <felt weak after the surgery>. feeble suggests extreme weakness inviting pity or contempt <a feeble attempt to walk>. frail implies delicacy and slightness of constitution or structure <a frail teenager unable to enjoy sports>. fragile suggests frailty and brittleness unable to resist rough usage <a reclusive poet too fragile for the rigors of this world>. infirm suggests instability, unsoundness, and insecurity due to old age or crippling illness <infirm residents requiring constant care>. decrepit implies being worn-out or broken-down from long use or old age <the dowager's decrepit retainers>.