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 Word Forms

• nonweakness 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

How the Commanders can win: Eliminate or at least limit the explosive plays, a weakness of the Commanders defense.

From Los Angeles Times

"As I warned at the UN: weakness in the face of terrorism only brings more terrorism," he said.

From BBC

The same can't be said for flu, which typically adds aches, fevers and muscle weakness into the mix.

From BBC

"The PSR is a look-back profitability test and has its own strengths and weaknesses. No system will be perfect," said Masters.

From BBC

Like a child with a gun, their relative weakness — the performative masculinity of an insecure adolescent — should not blind us to the harm they can cause, nor assure anyone that their failure is inevitable.

From Salon

Related Words

• deficiency 
• failing 
• flaw 
• fragility www.thesaurus.com
• frailty 
• gap 
• instability 
• lack 
• lapse 
• shortcoming 
• vulnerability