weakness

noun

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

Synonyms of weakness

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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.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Task force members said that investigation helped expose a critical weakness that has since seen improvement. — Natalie McMillan, CBS News, 8 Oct. 2026 Meta is also deploying a red-teaming AI agent that probes its own safeguards for weaknesses bad actors could exploit. — Beatrice Nolan, Fortune, 8 Oct. 2026 The only glaring weakness was, once again, the superstar who used to be their strength. — Los Angeles Times, 8 Oct. 2026 And if your neck pain keeps returning, gets worse or comes with numbness, tingling or weakness, talk with a healthcare professional instead of relying on a massager alone. — Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 8 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for weakness

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

Rhymes for weakness

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Browse Nearby Words

weak neck
weakness
weaks
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Cite this Entry

“Weakness.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/weakness. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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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
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