weakness

noun

weak·​ness ˈwēk-nəs How to pronounce weakness (audio)
1
: the quality or state of being weak
also : an instance or period of being weak
backed down in a moment of weakness
2
3
a
: a special desire or fondness
has a weakness for sweets
b
: an object of special desire or fondness
pizza is my weakness

Examples of weakness in a Sentence

The weakness of her voice surprised me. The incident exposed his weakness as a leader. Some see compromise as a sign of weakness. the weakness of a radio signal connection the weakness of the dollar I told them my secret in a moment of weakness. The tutor assessed the student's strengths and weaknesses. The basketball team has few weaknesses. Chocolate is my greatest weakness. He has a weakness for desserts. See More
Recent Examples on the Web When the company made its initial public offering in 2018, the IPO filings named Sonos' reliance on competitors as a key weakness. Samuel Axon, Ars Technica, 22 Nov. 2023 The stoppage compounds hits from litigation—including a weekend ruling against the company worth around $1.5 billion—as well as pipeline weakness, and the need for investment while leverage is high, the analysts say. WSJ, 20 Nov. 2023 In a game matching strength (USC’s offense) versus strength (UCLA’s defense) and weakness (USC’s defense) versus weakness (UCLA’s offense), the Bruins dominated across the board while pulling together to win one for the Chipper. Ben Bolch, Los Angeles Times, 19 Nov. 2023 Its European rivals, including French behemoths LVMH and Kering, have watched sales disappoint for the last quarter, underscoring the weakness in spending amid rich shoppers. Prarthana Prakash, Fortune Europe, 16 Nov. 2023 This may present with certain signs and symptoms like anemia, abdominal pain, weakness, seizures, and even coma. Julia Landwehr, Health, 15 Nov. 2023 Climate Changed Relying on historical data for training involves a potentially serious weakness: What if the weather of the future looks nothing like the weather of the past? WIRED, 14 Nov. 2023 The plunge in diamond prices has coincided with weakness across the luxury space. Thomas Biesheuvel, Fortune, 11 Nov. 2023 Children may have symptoms such as a cough, weakness, lethargy, weight loss, fever or night sweats. Aria Bendix, NBC News, 10 Nov. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'weakness.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of weakness was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near weakness

Cite this Entry

“Weakness.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/weakness. Accessed 9 Dec. 2023.

Kids Definition

weakness

noun
weak·​ness ˈwēk-nəs How to pronounce weakness (audio)
1
: the quality or state of being weak
2
: a weak point : fault, defect
a person with few weaknesses
3
a
: a special desire or fondness
has a weakness for chocolate
b
: an object of special desire or fondness
movies are my weakness

More from Merriam-Webster on weakness

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