Weakest Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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weakest

[หˆwiหkษชst ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

physical strength

Weakest is the superlative form of weak, indicating the lowest level of physical strength or intensity. It can also refer metaphorically to the least effective or powerless among a group.

Synonyms

feeblest, least powerful, most fragile.

Examples of usage

  • He felt the weakest after the marathon.
  • This is the weakest argument in his defense.
  • In the competition, she was the weakest contender.
Context #2 | Noun

vulnerability

The weakest point in a system or structure refers to the area most susceptible to failure or attack. It highlights shortcomings or drawbacks.

Synonyms

exposure, fragility, vulnerability.

Examples of usage

  • The weakest link in the chain often leads to failure.
  • We've identified the weakest part of our strategy.
  • The weakest aspect of her performance was her confidence.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • In psychology, identifying the 'weakest' aspect of a person's skill set can help in personal development and growth.
  • The concept of 'weakness' varies widely among individuals; one person's weakness might be another's strength.

Sports

  • In competitive sports, teams often analyze their weakest players to develop strategies that improve overall team performance.
  • The 'weakest' player in a sports context can often be the most crucial in understanding team dynamics and building resilience.

Literature

  • In literature and storytelling, the 'weakest' character often plays a pivotal role in the narrative, showcasing themes of vulnerability and triumph.
  • Classic stories often depict โ€˜weakโ€™ characters who overcome their limitations, providing inspiration and motivation.

Technology

  • In cybersecurity, the 'weakest' link in a system is often the point of greatest vulnerability, emphasizing the need for strong protective measures.
  • Software often analyzes the 'weakest' parts of its code to enhance security and performance.

Origin of 'weakest'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from Old English 'wฤ“ac', meaning 'weak, feeble', which evolved over time into various forms.
  • It has roots in Germanic languages, where similar terms indicated lack of strength or firmness.

The word 'weak' originates from the Old English 'wวฃc', which means 'sick' or 'feeble'. It has Germanic roots seen in similar terms in other languages, such as the Old High German 'weih' and the Dutch 'week'. The transformation of 'weak' to 'weakest' involves the application of the comparative and superlative morphological processes typical of English, where suffixes such as '-est' are used to form the superlative degree. The use of 'weak' evolved over centuries to encompass both physical and metaphorical meanings, extending from basic notions of feebleness to areas of emotional and intellectual strength. The term has become embedded in various contexts, particularly in literature and rhetoric, where it can convey critical assessments of arguments or performances.


Word Frequency Rank

At position #13,583, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.