weakness

[ week-nis ]

noun

1. the state or quality of being weak; lack of strength, firmness, vigor, or the like; feebleness.

   Synonyms: fragility

   Antonyms: strength

2. an inadequate or defective quality, as in a person's character; slight fault or defect:

   to show great sympathy for human weaknesses.

   Synonyms: flaw

3. a self-indulgent liking or special fondness, as for a particular thing:

   I've always had a weakness for the opera.

   Synonyms: appetite, hunger, passion, penchant

4. an object of special desire; something very difficult to resist:

   Chocolates were her weakness.

weakness

/ ˈwiːknɪs /

noun

1. the state or quality of being weak
2. a deficiency or failing, as in a person's character
3. a self-indulgent fondness or liking

   a weakness for chocolates

Other Words From

• non·weakness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of weakness¹

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English waikenes, weikenes. See weak, -ness

Idioms and Phrases

see have a weakness for .

Synonym Study

See fault.

Example Sentences

"South Dakota doesn’t like weakness. He will be primaried in 2022, political career over!!!"

From Salon

This season will once again be about looking to detect any weakness in Etiwanda, which returns 6-foot-3 Grace Knox, a Louisiana State commit, and point guard Aliyahna Morris, a California commit, plus several other veteran players.

From Los Angeles Times

But these fleeting moments of weakness underscore the character’s fragility, just as Glenn Close’s modest singing ability served her devastating portrayal of Norma Desmond in the 1994 Broadway premiere.

From Los Angeles Times

By 2016, Doori Land was losing around $28,000 a month, and in a moment of weakness, Im closed up shop and put it up for sale.

From Los Angeles Times

Some analysts have said the move to seek outside help should be read as a sign of weakness on Moscow’s part.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• deficiency
• failing
• flaw
• fragility
• frailty
• gap
• instability
• lack
• lapse
• shortcoming
• vulnerability