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

Financial innovations built on new technologies cannot by themselves make up for other currencies’ existing weaknesses—namely, the weak economies and institutions that back them up. — Gordon Liao, Foreign Affairs, 12 Nov. 2026

When leaders demand immediate answers and treat uncertainty as weakness, a confident AI response becomes an attractive shortcut. — Hani Assi, Forbes.com, 12 Nov. 2026

But it could also be seen in some sectors — particularly in the high-octane NFL — as weakness. — Armando Salguero, FOXNews.com, 12 Nov. 2026

Jefferies initiates FormFactor as buy Jefferies said buy the weakness. — Michael Bloom, CNBC, 11 Nov. 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