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

For precaution, the weather service advises anyone spending time outdoors to know the symptoms of heat exhaustion, which include dizziness, thirst, nausea, heavy sweating and weakness. — Ruth Abramovitz, Sun Sentinel, 20 July 2026

Strengths that looked decisive in practice may have proved less useful under pressure, while weaknesses the team hoped to hide may now be obvious to everyone in the stadium. — Dev Patnaik, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026

That means ensuring every young person knows the signs of depression, anxiety and suicide risk; knows where to turn for help; and understands that seeking treatment is an act of strength, not weakness. — Geri McGinn Kerger, Chicago Tribune, 20 July 2026

HalluSquatting reflects a broader weakness in how AI agents generate and trust resource names. — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 18 July 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