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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 This early success, however, exposed weaknesses within the Maratha army rather than resolving them. — Tamanna Nangia, Encyclopedia Britannica, 14 Aug. 2026 While the licensing laws are strict, critics say there are weaknesses in enforcement. — ABC News, 12 Aug. 2026 Greater self-awareness isn't simply about knowing your strengths or weaknesses. — Sharon A. Kuhn, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2026 The show’s significant weaknesses, then, seem all the more tragic. — Jared Kaufman, Twin Cities, 9 Aug. 2026 Committed employees are often the most willing to compensate for an organization’s weaknesses. — Brian Eason, Fortune, 9 Aug. 2026 The article mentioned several recent events that show these weaknesses, such as the 2022 sabotage of the Nord Stream natural gas pipelines and internet outages after cables in the Red Sea were damaged last year. — Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 6 Aug. 2026 But that means Japan now has significant weaknesses – remarkable for an advanced country that plays such a critical geopolitical role. — Jessie Yeung, CNN Money, 31 July 2026 It’s well known that one of Democrats’ chronic weaknesses is their use of language. — Richard Yanowitch, Mercury News, 29 July 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for weaknesses
  1. faults
  2. shortcomings
  3. sins
  4. deficiencies
  5. failings
Noun
  • The model also accounts for major geologic faults because the bedrock layer in those areas is more likely to have cracks and fissures, according to Campbell.
    — Idaho Statesman, Idaho Statesman, 15 Aug. 2026
  • Malfunctions can stem from a variety of underlying faults, including software issues and manufacturing missteps.
    — Bloomberg, Mercury News, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of faults
Noun
  • Allar has first-round physical traits, but his two biggest shortcomings are decision making and accuracy.
    — Ted Nguyen, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2026
  • In the old days, there would be a congressional investigation into such shortcomings.
    — Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of shortcomings
Noun
  • Fans of improv, musicals and audience participation will thoroughly enjoy this performance and should be prepared to repent for sins like eating a hamburger, owning too many snakes or yearning for a younger man.
    — Talia McWright, Twin Cities, 9 Aug. 2026
  • Seven of our contributors gamely shared (some of) their secret sins.
    — Sabrina Jaszi, The Dial, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of sins
Noun
  • Ultimately, underperformance often signals leadership deficiencies, including poor recruitment and inadequate team management, rather than external market forces.
    — Bill Holmes, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026
  • The credits amounted to roughly $405,300 for an array of endeavors to remediate deficiencies on the property.
    — George Avalos, Mercury News, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of deficiencies
Noun
  • That Chansiri squandered that vast backing can be listed among his abundant failings.
    — Philip Buckingham, New York Times, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Throughout the trial the defense probed what the attorneys described as failings in the thoroughness of the Arlington Police Department’s investigation of the case, particularly the lack of complete photo documentation.
    — Emerson Clarridge, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 Aug. 2026
Definition of failings

Browse Nearby Words

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 23 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on weaknesses

Nglish: Translation of weaknesses for Spanish Speakers

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