weakness

noun

weak·​ness ˈwēk-nəs 

1

: the quality or state of being weak

also : an instance or period of being weak

backed down in a moment of weakness

2

: fault, defect

3

a

: a special desire or fondness

has a weakness for sweets

b

: an object of special desire or fondness

pizza is my weakness

Synonyms of weakness

• fatigue
• exhaustion
• feebleness
• debility
• fragility
• faintness
• frailty
• impairment
• infirmity
• asthenia
• enervation
• debilitation
• injury
• enfeeblement
• lowness
• languor
• listlessness

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

Valeri Nichushkin was past center-ice when the puck was poked away from him from behind, handing Vegas possession — a moment of weakness for a power forward whose every move is made with conviction, usually. —Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 23 May 2026

Common warning signs of sepsis can include confusion, rapid breathing, extreme weakness, low blood pressure, fast heart rate and bluish or mottled skin, per the CDC. —Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 23 May 2026

An excellent new report from David Trainer, CEO of financial research firm New Constructs, identifies several weaknesses threaten SpaceX’s prospects. —Shawn Tully, Fortune, 23 May 2026

This includes lethargy, weakness, discolored gums, or changes in urine color, warns April Summers, DVM, emergency veterinarian at AVSG Internal Medicine, Emergency & Critical Care. —Rae Ford, Martha Stewart, 23 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for weakness

• bleakness
• meekness
• uniqueness

Kids Definition

weakness

noun

weak·​ness ˈwēk-nəs 

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