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Weakened: meaning, definitions and examples

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weakened

[หˆwiหknd ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

health

Having less strength or energy; feeling tired or ill.

Synonyms

debilitated, exhausted, fatigued.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
weakened

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.
debilitated

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.
exhausted

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.
fatigued

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.

Examples of usage

  • The weakened patient needed rest to recover.
  • The weakened immune system made him more susceptible to infections.
Context #2 | Verb

power

To make or become weaker in power, strength, or influence.

Synonyms

diminish, reduce, undermine.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
weakened

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.
diminish

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.
reduce

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.
undermine

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.

Examples of usage

  • The constant stress weakened his resolve.
  • The economic crisis weakened the country's currency.

Translations

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Etymology

The word 'weakened' originated from the Middle English 'weiken', which came from the Old English 'wician', meaning 'to yield, give way'. The sense of 'become weaker' dates back to the late 16th century.

See also: weak, weaken, weakening, weaker, weakling, weakly, weakness, weaknesses.

Word Frequency Rank

At #7,353 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.