Weakened: meaning, definitions and examples

This term is often used to describe a general reduction in strength or intensity, whether physical, emotional, or structural.

• After the flu, she felt weakened and unable to return to work.
• The weakened bridge needed immediate repair before it could be used again.

This word is used in more serious contexts to describe a state of severe weakness, often due to chronic illness or long-term stress.

• The disease left him so debilitated that he could barely walk.
• After months of overwork, he felt completely debilitated.

This term is best used when describing extreme tiredness or depletion of energy due to physical or mental effort.

• After running the marathon, she felt absolutely exhausted.
• He was exhausted from studying all night for the exam.

Often used in medical or professional contexts, 'fatigued' describes a more clinical or prolonged sense of tiredness.

• The long work hours left the nurses fatigued and in need of rest.
• Chronic stress can make someone constantly fatigued.

This word is best used to describe something that has lost strength or power, usually over time or due to a specific action. It can be used in both physical and metaphorical senses.

• After the long illness, he looked significantly weakened.
• The constant criticism weakened his resolve.

This word is typically used when talking about a reduction in size, importance, or value of something gradually. It is often used in more formal contexts.

• Over time, the importance of the old traditions has diminished.
• Her influence in the company has slowly diminished.

This word is used when talking about making something smaller or less in amount, degree, or size. It's a more general term and can be applied in a wide range of contexts.

• They aim to reduce waste by recycling more.
• We need to reduce our expenses to save money.

This word has a negative connotation and is used to describe actions that weaken something or someone, often in a secretive or deceptive way. It is commonly used in social, political, or organizational contexts.

• The constant gossip at the office has undermined his authority.
• Her actions were seen as an attempt to undermine the committee's decisions.