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Synonyms

weakly

American  
[week-lee] / ˈwik li /

adjective

weaklier, weakliest
  1. weak or feeble in constitution; not robust; sickly.


adverb

  1. in a weak manner.

weakly British  
/ ˈwiːklɪ /

adjective

  1. sickly; feeble

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

adverb

  1. in a weak or feeble manner

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Synonym Usage

See weak.

Other Word Forms

Etymology

Origin of weakly

First recorded in 1350–1400, weakly is from the Middle English word weekely. See weak, -ly

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

One of the leading theories about dark matter is that it's composed of a type of particle known as a WIMP, or Weakly Interacting Massive Particle.

From Salon • Jul. 16, 2023

Curatorial Specialist Jannelle Weakly says the Wetherills were ranchers, traders, explorers, and amateur archaeologists who participated in the discovery, excavation, research and preservation of significant sites in the Four Corners area.

From Washington Times • Apr. 27, 2019

Bi, Weakly: I told all my friends that I’m gay—but now I’m interested in a woman.

From Slate • Feb. 22, 2018

These "dark" fundamental particles are known as Wimps: Weakly Interacting Massive Particles.

From BBC • Mar. 16, 2015

Weakly, he waved back, and slipped again into sleep.

From "The Contender" by Robert Lipsyte

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