weaker; weakest
1
: having little physical power or ability : not strong
He has a weak throwing arm.
The illness left her too weak to stand up.
The child was born with weak lungs.
weak eyes/eyesight
2
: having little power or force
The batter hit a weak ground ball.
a weak punch
weak winds
She uttered her reply in a weak voice.
3
: likely to break or stop working properly : not able to handle weight, pressure, or strain
The door's hinge is weak.
a weak rope
4
disapproving
a
: having little power or influence
He proved to be a weak and ineffectual leader.
b
: not able to make good decisions or deal with difficult situations
Some see compromise as a sign of a weak character.
In a weak moment [=during a brief time when I had bad judgment] I told them my secret.
5
a
: lacking enough or the usual amount of an important ingredient
This tea is weak. [=it has little tea flavor]
weak cocktails [=cocktails that contain less than the usual amount of alcohol]
a weak bleach solution [=a mixture of water and a small amount of bleach]
b
: not powerful in action or effect
a weak drug
a country with weak environmental laws
a weak radio signal
6
: not likely to persuade or convince people that something is true, real, correct, etc.
Her arguments in support of the theory were weak.
He gave a weak excuse for being late.
The prosecution has a weak case.
7
: not having enough skill or ability
Many of the students are weak in math and science.
The team is weak on defense.
8
: failing to produce the result that is wanted : not effective
The pun was a weak attempt at humor.
The novel's plot was weak. [=it did not make sense, did not seem realistic, etc.]
9
: showing little confidence or enthusiasm
He gave only a weak smile.
10
a
: having a value that is small or is not increasing : less valuable
The dollar is weak.
b
: in a poor financial condition
a weak economy
a weak housing market [=a situation in which few people are buying houses]
11
: dull or pale
The weak winter light shone through the window.
weak colors
12
: smaller than the usual size
a man with a weak chin
13
grammar
: following the normal patterns by which the past tenses of verbs are usually formed : regular
Since "work" is a weak verb, its past tense is "worked."
Cite this Entry
“Weak.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/weak. Accessed 16 Apr. 2026.
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