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

Despite signs of weakness, the Chinese economy remains on course to hit its annual growth target of around 5 percent this year.

Read more on Barron's

Any signs of weakness in the job market or in economic activity would add to prospects of a rate cut.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

According to the authors, the results point to a significant weakness in current prevention practices because today's guidelines may overlook individuals who would benefit from earlier detection and protective treatment.

Read more on Science Daily

“Rivals are all carefully studying where TSMC’s weaknesses lie, and that is where they may find their chance to win,” he said.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Recent weakness in the won also gave the BOK another reason to refrain from rate cuts, as such a move could pressure the currency further.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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