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.
The animal also received supportive care, including steroids, to address inflammation and weakness. Jasmine Baehr, FOXNews.com, 31 Jan. 2026 With osteomalacia and rickets, a person may experience throbbing bone discomfort and muscle weakness and pain. Mark Stibich, Verywell Health, 30 Jan. 2026 That's probably my biggest weakness coming in. Dalton Ross, Entertainment Weekly, 30 Jan. 2026 Illinois’ international migration fell by about 60% from 2024 to 2025, a sudden slowdown that exposes an underlying weakness in the state’s ability to grow. The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 30 Jan. 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 4 Feb. 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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