strength

noun

ˈstreŋ(k)th  ˈstren(t)th 

plural strengths ˈstreŋ(k)ths 

ˈstren(t)ths,

ˈstreŋks

1

: the quality or state of being strong : capacity for exertion or endurance

2

: power to resist force : solidity, toughness

3

: power of resisting attack : impregnability

4

a

: legal, logical, or moral force

b

: a strong attribute or inherent asset

the strengths and the weaknesses of the book are evident

5

a

: degree of potency of effect or of concentration

chili peppers in varying strengths

b

: intensity of light, color, sound, or odor

c

: vigor of expression

6

: force as measured in numbers : effective numbers of any body or organization

an army at full strength

7

: one regarded as embodying or affording force or firmness : support

you are my love and my strength

8

: maintenance of or a rising tendency in a price level : firmness of prices

the strength of the dollar

9

: basis

—used in the phrase on the strength of

Phrases

from strength to strength

: vigorously forward : from one high point to the next

Synonyms

• power
• energy
• muscle

Choose the Right Synonym for strength

power, force, energy, strength, might mean the ability to exert effort.

power may imply latent or exerted physical, mental, or spiritual ability to act or be acted upon.

the awesome power of flowing water

force implies the actual effective exercise of power.

used enough force to push the door open

energy applies to power expended or capable of being transformed into work.

a worker with boundless energy

strength applies to the quality or property of a person or thing that makes possible the exertion of force or the withstanding of strain, pressure, or attack.

use weight training to build your strength

might implies great or overwhelming power or strength.

the belief that might makes right

Examples of strength in a Sentence

I was impressed by his strength.

She's doing exercises to build up the strength in her legs.

Don't work too hard. You need to conserve your strength for tomorrow.

Pull-ups increase upper body strength.

Working on a farm requires a lot of physical strength.

the strength and durability of the material

I pray that I'll have the strength to do what I have to do.

His determination shows real strength of character.

Her inner strength is an inspiration to us all.

Recent Examples on the Web

While the increasing trade deficit (exports minus imports) represents the strength of American buying power, the percentage of total trade that is an export (exports divided by total trade) represents billions in additional U.S. exports of soybeans, aircraft, medical devices and more. —Ken Roberts, Forbes.com, 28 June 2025

Every arrest and every seizure disrupts transnational criminal groups and reflects the strength of interagency collaboration. —Mark Michalek, Denver Post, 28 June 2025

That makes a living shoreline’s capacity to adapt to its surroundings — unlike a static seawall — one of its biggest strengths, said Melinda Donnelly, an assistant research scientist and biology professor at UCF who works with Walters. —Molly Duerig, Miami Herald, 28 June 2025

Even these young players already have major tournament experience — a huge strength given their tough group. —Megan Feringa, New York Times, 28 June 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English strengthe, from Old English strengthu; akin to Old High German strengi strong — more at strong

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing strength

• at full strength
• at half strength
• gather momentum/strength
• go from strength to strength
• industrial-strength
• in strength
• not know one's own strength
• on the strength of
• pillar of strength
• position of strength
• strength in numbers
• strength of purpose
• strength of will
• strength training
• tensile strength
• there is strength in numbers
• tower of strength
• with all one's strength

Rhymes for strength

• length

Kids Definition

strength

noun

ˈstreŋ(k)th 

1

: the quality or state of being strong

2

: power to resist force

3

: power to resist attack

4

a

: the power to have an effect

b

: degree of concentration

the strength of a liquid cleaner

c

: intensity of light, color, sound, or odor

5

: a strong quality

list the strengths and weaknesses of the book

6

: force as measured in numbers

army at full strength

7

: something or someone providing force or firmness : support entry 2

her family was her strength

Medical Definition

strength

noun

ˈstreŋ(k)th  ˈstren(t)th 

plural strengths ˈstreŋ(k)ths, ˈstren(t)ths, ˈstreŋks 

1

: the quality or state of being strong : capacity for exertion or endurance

2

: degree of potency of effect or of concentration

3

: degree of ionization of a solution

—used of acids and bases