weak

adjective

ˈwēk How to pronounce weak (audio)
Definition of weaknext
1
as in weakened
lacking bodily strength the little boy was simply too weak to lift the box

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in soft
lacking strength of will or character I was too weak to resist the free doughnuts in the office break room

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3
as in thin
not containing very much of some important element the coffee came out too weak because I didn't use enough ground beans

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4
as in unreasonable
not using or following good reasoning your argument is weak

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5
as in helpless
unable to act or achieve one's purpose the vice president is a relatively weak official

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective weak contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of weak are decrepit, feeble, fragile, frail, and infirm. While all these words mean "not strong enough to endure strain, pressure, or strenuous effort," weak applies to deficiency or inferiority in strength or power of any sort.

felt weak after the surgery

When is it sensible to use decrepit instead of weak?

The synonyms decrepit and weak are sometimes interchangeable, but decrepit implies being worn-out or broken-down from long use or old age.

the dowager's decrepit retainers

In what contexts can feeble take the place of weak?

Although the words feeble and weak have much in common, feeble suggests extreme weakness inviting pity or contempt.

a feeble attempt to walk

When might fragile be a better fit than weak?

While in some cases nearly identical to weak, fragile suggests frailty and brittleness unable to resist rough usage.

a reclusive poet too fragile for the rigors of this world

When is frail a more appropriate choice than weak?

The meanings of frail and weak largely overlap; however, frail implies delicacy and slightness of constitution or structure.

a frail teenager unable to enjoy sports

Where would infirm be a reasonable alternative to weak?

The words infirm and weak are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, infirm suggests instability, unsoundness, and insecurity due to old age or crippling illness.

infirm residents requiring constant care

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of weak Great pitchers tend to have great fastballs - and at this point, Eovaldi’s weakest pitch is his four-seamer. —Tony Blengino, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025 The reason investors are so sure the cuts are coming is that underneath the weak headline number from the nonfarm payroll jobs report—just 22,000 new jobs—was even weaker data from the private sector. —Jim Edwards, Fortune, 8 Sep. 2025 You're not guaranteed to have a tomato that is the same as the parents, and the yield will generally be weaker. —Heather Bien, Southern Living, 8 Sep. 2025 Paradise lost Alaska and Crimea remain linked in some ways today, both viewed as historic Russian regions lost by weak leaders – Yeltsin, the first president of independent Russia, is reviled for recognizing Crimea as part of Ukraine after the USSR collapsed. —Dan Morrison, USA Today, 14 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for weak
Recent Examples of Synonyms for weak
  1. weakened
  2. soft
  3. thin
  4. unreasonable
  5. helpless
  6. feeble
  7. frail
  8. dilute
Adjective
  • Minor gastrointestinal discomfort is probably the most common symptom; however, pathogens that may cause only minor sickness in some people may cause serious conditions or death in others, especially in the very young, old, or those with weakened immune systems.
    — Jalen Williams, Freep.com, 29 Aug. 2025
  • Infections can be severe in young children, older adults and people with weakened immune systems, who may require hospitalization.
    — CNN Money, CNN Money, 29 Aug. 2025
Definition of weakened
Adjective
  • Traditional shades of red and green remain present, but they’re joined by bubble gum pink and soft blue for a more eclectic palette.
    — Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Sep. 2025
  • Tejasvi designed it with large-font type to make text easier to see and read, and a soft, blue theme intended to be soothing to people who may come to the site fresh from a scam and be fearful or frazzled.
    — Jeffrey Kluger, Time, 9 Sep. 2025
Definition of soft
Adjective
  • The water pressure then causes the vehicle to rise and slide on a thin layer of water between the tires and the road, making the driver lose control.
    — CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 5 Sep. 2025
  • Pair the duo with fairy lights, a thin linen runner, and more faux foliage to create a stunning seasonal scene.
    — Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Sep. 2025
Definition of thin
Adjective
  • The Justice Department in its June 2024 report on problems with policing in Phoenix found that police delayed medical assistance to people who appeared to be incapacitated as a result of the use of force by officers and used unreasonable force on people who had already been wounded by officers.
    — Elena Santa Cruz, AZCentral.com, 3 Sep. 2025
  • Investors had initially feared that ASDA’s undercuts would lead to market leaders Tesco and Sainsbury’s having to lower prices to an unreasonable point in order to maintain their market shares.
    — John Choong, Forbes.com, 1 Sep. 2025
Definition of unreasonable
Adjective
  • This burden of additional responsibilities and emotional labor with less resources lead many women to feel helpless, leaving divorce as the only escape.
    — Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 6 Sep. 2025
  • The sunbathers of sleepy Amity Bay are helpless against the unexpected great white shark that hunts their coasts; Spielberg’s talent for suspense, effective horror shocks, and ingenious reinvention of the classic animal-attack movie remain as impressive as ever.
    — Christina Newland, Vulture, 5 Sep. 2025
Definition of helpless
Adjective
  • The feeble report all but confirms a Fed interest rate cut later this month and raises at least the possibility of a half point – rather than a typical quarter point - reduction, Saunders said.
    — Paul Davidson, USA Today, 5 Sep. 2025
  • The Valkyries have sold out each of their 18 home games this season, 18,064 packing out Chase Center regardless of how mighty or feeble the opposition is.
    — Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 31 Aug. 2025
Definition of feeble
Adjective
  • After Arsenal took advantage of a frail Bayindir to score from yet another set piece, Raya stood strong to repel the hosts.
    — Art de Roché, New York Times, 20 Aug. 2025
  • Listeria monocytogenes is a bacteria that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems.
    — Emily Kay Votruba, EverydayHealth.com, 15 Aug. 2025
Definition of frail
Adjective
  • For example, Wilson’s team is exploring whether dilute acids speed up weathering.
    — Robert F. Service, Science | AAAS, 3 Sep. 2020
  • The company reported a net loss during the first quarter of $3.9 million, or 11 cents diluted loss per share, compared to a net income of $4.3 million, or 12 cents dilute earnings per share over the same period last year.
    — Paul Takahashi, Houston Chronicle, 5 June 2018
Definition of dilute

Browse Nearby Words

waywardness
weak
weaken
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Cite this Entry

“Weak.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/weak. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

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