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 Multiple sclerosis is a disease that causes the breakdown of the protective covering of nerves, resulting in numbness, weakness, trouble walking, vision changes and other symptoms, according to the Mayo Clinic. — Desiree Anello, PEOPLE, 8 Aug. 2026 Men may also suffer from erectile dysfunction, weight loss, extreme fatigue, weakness in the legs or feet, or loss of bladder or bowel control. — Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 8 Aug. 2026 Any adversary who confuses media noise with American weakness will discover the truth the hard way. — Michael Loria, USA Today, 7 Aug. 2026 If the job market is showcasing weakness, raising interest rates to slow down the economy may be viewed as more risky. — Davis Giangiulio, CNBC, 7 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for weakness

Recent Examples of Synonyms for weakness

Noun

Rangers starter Jacob deGrom, who has been battling a left hip and glute injury since the All-Star break, was pulled after two innings because of right triceps fatigue.

— ABC News, ABC News, 14 Aug. 2026
Investigators also found signs of metal fatigue at the base of the fan blade that broke off, despite recent inspections of the fan blades.

— Kris Van Cleave, CBS News, 14 Aug. 2026

Definition of fatigue

Noun

Of the defendants, Cesar Morales was apportioned 60% of the fault, Arnold Morales 20% of the fault, Alvarez 5% of the fault and Harrison 15% of the fault.

— Jason Green, Mercury News, 12 Aug. 2026
And yet, there’s a halo of chaos that surrounds Rhaenyra — an electric current of turmoil that’s too constant not to be her fault.

— Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 10 Aug. 2026

Definition of fault

Noun

The film’s Tony contains glimpses of the real Bourdain’s eventual swagger and charisma, but focuses more on his vulnerability.

— Emily Zemler, Rolling Stone, 11 Aug. 2026
But instead, the assistant went further and found a vulnerability in the gym’s software, using it to secure spots months further in advance than the booking system was meant to allow.

— Beatrice Nolan, Fortune, 11 Aug. 2026

Definition of vulnerability

Noun

Spouses, in turn, asked what was being done to address issues of mental health and exhaustion, MS NOW reported.

— Christopher Buchanan, Los Angeles Times, 14 Aug. 2026
In addition to the end of the capital expenditure boom that built these excess factories, the exhaustion of markets would create the conditions for a crisis.

— Michael B. G. Froman, Foreign Affairs, 13 Aug. 2026

Definition of exhaustion

Noun

Causes linked to possible frailty are bucking the trend, though, with death rates from malnutrition up more than 50% from 2019.

— Meg Wingerter, Denver Post, 9 Aug. 2026
Experts worry that the litany of unanswered questions surrounding medical frailty will lead to more vulnerable people getting kicked out of the program.

— Isabella Cueto, STAT, 30 July 2026

Definition of frailty

Noun

While the Endangered Species Act has shortcomings, once these changes go into effect next month, even fewer protections will exist, Boyles said.

— Finnegan Belleau, Chicago Tribune, 9 Aug. 2026
This is a player that remains at the peak of his powers, and while Barça doesn’t have the shortcomings Real Madrid does in midfield following the departures of Luka Modric and Toni Kroos, any team would be foolish to turn Rodri down.

— Tom Sanderson, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2026

Definition of shortcoming

Noun

This offers one possible explanation for teenage risk-taking behavior and susceptibility to peer influence.

— J. Todd R. Lawrence, STAT, 27 July 2026
Theories range from alien abductions to more scientific explanations like susceptibility to unexpected weather changes.

— Andrea Romano, Travel + Leisure, 15 July 2026