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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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 Family members compensate for the weaknesses, absences, or incompetence. — Sam Birchall, Fortune, 17 July 2026 At the All-Star Game, Blue Jays skipper John Schneider and Dodgers manager Dave Roberts were asked about the weakness of the AL compared to the behemoth of the NL. — Andy McCullough, New York Times, 17 July 2026 Other symptoms included headache, chills, weakness and sleeplessness. — Ken Alltucker, USA Today, 17 July 2026 Any behavioral changes such as fatigue, weakness or decreased eating should be noted too. — Stella Canino-Quiñones, Washington Post, 17 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for weakness

Recent Examples of Synonyms for weakness

Noun

If testosterone levels are too low, at any age, this can lead to muscle and bone weakness, fatigue, and decline in libido.

— Nina Shapiro, Forbes.com, 18 July 2026
Warning signs worth flagging to a doctor include loud snoring, gasping for air during sleep, severe daytime fatigue, persistent low mood, rapid heart rate and unexplained weight changes.

— Hanna Wickes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 17 July 2026

Definition of fatigue

Noun

But at least Janet, for all of her faults, is working toward a resolution.

— Brian Moylan, Vulture, 16 July 2026
What else is going on Back-to-back earthquakes rocked the area north of Los Angeles near two of California’s most significant faults, sending shock waves across the region.

— Deputy Managing Editor, Los Angeles Times, 14 July 2026

Definition of fault

Noun

More than an intricate game of cat-and-mouse, the crime drama plays on the tensions between nature and nurture while unpacking the dangers and vulnerabilities that come with loving other people.

— Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 15 July 2026
Industries and critical infrastructure are racing to catch up with new AI models with increasingly advanced abilities that can find and exploit (but also defend against) cybersecurity vulnerabilities.

— Hadas Gold, CNN Money, 14 July 2026

Definition of vulnerability

Noun

Competing demands — for example, from illness, injury, or chronic stress — can appear not only as poor health, but also as negative conscious experiences such as anxiety, brain fog, and exhaustion.

— Rachel Nuwer, Quanta Magazine, 17 July 2026
Barrett said the goal is for the justices to have as large a security detail as those dedicated to Cabinet members, in part to avoid burnout and exhaustion among the four to eight officers typically assigned to each justice.

— Maureen Groppe, USA Today, 14 July 2026

Definition of exhaustion

Noun

Most importantly, the renovation solved the hotel’s practical shortcomings without stripping away the qualities that made longtime guests love it in the first place.

— Jill Robbins, Southern Living, 11 July 2026
But Nguyen isn’t shy about the shortcomings of his first classic car, an iconic 1970 Ford Bronco.

— Zachary Hansen, AJC.com, 10 July 2026

Definition of shortcoming

Noun

Theories range from alien abductions to more scientific explanations like susceptibility to unexpected weather changes.

— Andrea Romano, Travel + Leisure, 15 July 2026
Alcohol and certain medications also raise susceptibility, including diuretics, tricyclic antidepressants, antipsychotics and some cold and allergy remedies.

— Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 9 July 2026