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.
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.
One weakness in Capture One's utility as a workflow solution has been its lack of sharing to established online photo venues, but there's a ray of light on this count. PC Magazine, 28 May 2025 While the dollar strengthened for the second day on Wednesday, Jefferies thinks the greenback could be in for an extended period of weakness. Michelle Fox, CNBC, 28 May 2025 Now, to reach even more communities, Preuss recently introduced SPARK Scorecard, an online tool local leaders can use to assess their economic and entrepreneurial environment, gauge strengths and weaknesses and get advice on next steps. Anne Field, Forbes.com, 27 May 2025 Shift your mindset For some people, the most challenging element of run-walking is convincing themselves that walking during a run isn’t a sign of weakness. The New York Times, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 May 2025 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

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Cite this Entry

“Weakness.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/weakness. Accessed 2 Jun. 2025.

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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