WEAKNESS Synonyms: 148 Similar and Opposite Words

weakness

noun

ˈwēk-nəs

Definition of weakness

as in fatigue

the quality or state of lacking physical strength or vigor the flu left me with such overwhelming weakness that I could hardly stand

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in softness

the quality or state of lacking strength of will or character in a moment of weakness he said yes to his daughter's request for a new toy

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as in fault

a defect in character his one weakness is his cockeyed optimism about everything

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as in vulnerability

the quality or state of having little resistance to some outside agent the devastating weakness of the immune system that is experienced by people with certain chronic conditions

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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 weakness If climbing stairs is challenging for you due to pain, weakness, or balance problems, check in with your healthcare provider. — Kristen Gasnick, Verywell Health, 29 Oct. 2026 The poll also found Graham’s weakness was particularly pronounced in the Greenville-Spartanburg area, where Norman defeated her in the Republican primary. — Charlotte Observer, 29 Oct. 2026 My wife requires a cane or walker due to spinal stenosis and muscular weakness. — Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 28 Oct. 2026 Anthropic knows its consumer business is a weakness, and potentially a blind spot its competitors could exploit to get ahead. — Emily Forlini, Fortune, 28 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for weakness

Recent Examples of Synonyms for weakness

Noun

And yet, the dominant feeling for most people is fatigue, not freedom.

— Aditi Sinha, Forbes.com, 30 Oct. 2026
But at the moment, Trump fatigue is taking a real toll on Fox’s ratings, and thus its bottom line.

— Brian Stelter, CNN Money, 29 Oct. 2026

Definition of fatigue

Noun

Towel stripping deeply cleans dingy towels, restoring softness and brightness.

— Anyssa Roberts, The Spruce, 28 Oct. 2026
In the early 19th century, California’s sea otters were hunted to the brink of extinction, the unparalleled softness and value of their fur drawing fur trappers all the way from Russia into California.

— Joseph Ogilvy, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Oct. 2026

Definition of softness

Noun

Detecting a fault before launch could prevent equipment damage, reduce operational interruptions, and help protect people and property on the ground.

— Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 26 Oct. 2026
And though no fault of Chesney’s, UCLA is playing a soft schedule.

— Mirjam Swanson, Los Angeles Times, 25 Oct. 2026

Definition of fault

Noun

The continued hostilities have heightened concerns about the vulnerability of Saudi Arabia's energy infrastructure, with traders increasingly focused on the risk of a major disruption to production, refining or export facilities.

— Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 26 Oct. 2026
The next question is how widely medicine can put that vulnerability to work in individual cases.

— Mike McRae October 25, New Atlas, 26 Oct. 2026

Definition of vulnerability

Noun

Overall, two-thirds of patients did better on a frailty score that measures grip strength, chair stands, and balancing.

— Elizabeth Cooney, STAT, 22 Oct. 2026
Outside stands a statue of an infirm John Paul II leaning on his papal staff — a reminder of the pontiffs who have been treated here, and of their earthly frailty.

— Claudio Lavanga, NBC news, 18 Oct. 2026

Definition of frailty

Noun

Conversations with my replacement confirmed that local physicians were frustrated with Theranos over these shortcomings and communicating with our laboratory about them.

— Torie Bosch, STAT, 24 Oct. 2026
For residents, the reservoir nonetheless remains a painfully visible symbol of the city’s shortcomings.

— Noah Haggerty, Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of shortcoming

Noun

Severity depends on the amount of bacteria that’s inhaled, the strain that’s involved and individual susceptibility, Vanrompay says.

— Rachel Melegrito, Scientific American, 26 Oct. 2026
Studies of these families have helped identify potential susceptibility genes for lung cancer and environmental risk factors.

— Estelamari Rodriguez, The Conversation, 14 Oct. 2026