weaknesses

noun

plural of weakness
as in faults
a defect in character his one weakness is his cockeyed optimism about everything

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 weaknesses Namibia conditions expose weaknesses Researchers from the University of Namibia provided access to a coastal campus site and shared local knowledge for the experiment. — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 4 Sep. 2026 Utah was expected to win handily and the Utes showed no glaring weaknesses in the blowout. — ABC News, 4 Sep. 2026 But this will be the first time he’s asked to lead an offense and defenses will eventually create a book on Willis, taking away his strengths and forcing him to lean into his weaknesses. — Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 4 Sep. 2026 As a company’s demands increase, weaknesses in operational systems tend to become amplified. — Farzana Abdulhusein, Forbes.com, 4 Sep. 2026 Despite his decent goalscoring record, there are clear weaknesses in Richarlison’s game and Omar Marmoush represents a significant upgrade. — Jay Harris, New York Times, 3 Sep. 2026 Updates may improve performance, fix problems or address security weaknesses. — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 1 Sep. 2026 Battling over Canada’s dairy market Legal experts see other weaknesses in the Section 338 tariffs. — Paul Wiseman, Fortune, 29 Aug. 2026 While tech billionaires such as Elon Musk and Marc Andreessen may see empathy and introspection as weaknesses, those traits are the beating heart of literature and art, the wellspring of creativity and human connection. — Billy J. Stratton, The Conversation, 21 Aug. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for weaknesses
  1. faults
  2. shortcomings
  3. sins
  4. deficiencies
  5. failings
Noun
  • But classic Range Rovers drive like classic cars, with all their inherent faults, and the price tag can be eye-watering.
    — Jonathan M. Gitlin, ArsTechnica, 1 Sep. 2026
  • Every additional precision subsystem creates more opportunities for faults, while customer machines may be located far from specialists who know how to fix them.
    — Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of faults
Noun
  • While her own family has never stepped foot in Taiwan, Lily holds onto the belief that perfecting her Mandarin will finally reconcile the shortcomings of being a diaspora kid.
    — Kat Chen, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 Sep. 2026
  • Ultimately, neither of these design shortcomings outweigh the appliance's convenience.
    — Abbey Stone, Bon Appetit Magazine, 7 Sep. 2026
Definition of shortcomings
Noun
  • For one thing covetousness, as opposed to the more concrete sins like theft or murder or adultery, is a thought crime, and almost all that goes on here, happens within the minds of the characters.
    — Jessica Kiang, Variety, 6 Sep. 2026
  • Summaries of their sins and absurdities have now filled several books, but a sampler is instructive.
    — Grayson Haver Currin, Pitchfork, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of sins
Noun
  • The spotlight on Thompson’s deficiencies will shine even brighter once he’s getting paid north of $40 million per season.
    — William Guillory, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2026
  • Coupled with three other fines in the latter half of 2023 for smaller deficiencies, the home has paid $99,902 over the past three years.
    — Matan Josephy, Idaho Statesman, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of deficiencies
Noun
  • In most other films, these narrow constraints would be unequivocal failings.
    — Richard Brody, New Yorker, 9 Sep. 2026
  • Putin dismissed the allegations, saying Berlin aims to distract from its own failings and dissatisfaction among voters.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of failings

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weakness
weaknesses
weal
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Cite this Entry

“Weaknesses.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/weaknesses. Accessed 12 Sep. 2026.

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