akrasia

/ əˈkreɪzɪə /

noun

1. philosophy weakness of will; acting in a way contrary to one's sincerely held moral values

Derived Forms

• aˈkratic, adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of akrasia¹

C20: from a- ² + Greek kratos power

Example Sentences

All of them are littered with Johnson signatures: classical references like “akrasia” and good if florid jokes.

From Slate

Such examples proliferate in philosophy too: The standard example of the much-studied phenomenon of akrasia, weakness of the will, is succumbing to a cookie.

From New York Times

For one thing, Grayling points out, Socrates fails to take into account “akrasia,” the Greek word for “weakness of will,” something that many of us experience when it comes to dieting, going to the gym or resisting various temptations.

From Washington Post

Procrastination is also derived from the ancient Greek word akrasia — doing something against our better judgment.

From New York Times

Stoneking, an eccentric Australian performer who delivers a spoken-word passage in "Abulia and Akrasia."

From Los Angeles Times