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.
Moussawi denied that the group was acting above the state but contended that the Lebanese Armed Forces’ weakness left Hezbollah with no choice but to respond. Mick Krever, CNN Money, 6 June 2026 Cenac lacks efficiency and foul discipline at times — a weakness that was on display in the NCAA Tournament — but also has shown the potential to dominate the paint both as a defender and a scorer. Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 6 June 2026 Making peace with your strengths…and weaknesses? Usa Today, USA Today, 6 June 2026 Starts have been Ferrari's strong suit this season, while, crucially, Mercedes' — and more specifically Antonelli's — starts have been their biggest weakness. Matt Reigle Outkick, FOXNews.com, 6 June 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 9 Jun. 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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