Weakness Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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weakness

[ˈwiːknəs ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

insecurity

Weakness is the state or condition of lacking strength, vulnerability to harm, or a lack of resistance to external influences.

Synonyms

frailty, inadequacy, powerlessness, vulnerability.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
weakness	General use to describe a lack of strength or a shortcoming in physical, emotional, or mental abilities. Her weakness after the illness made it hard for her to walk. He has a weakness for chocolate.
vulnerability	Implying susceptibility to being harmed or attacked, either physically or emotionally. Her vulnerability made her open to emotional manipulation. The shelter was built to reduce people's vulnerability to storms.
frailty	Used to denote delicate physical health, often associated with old age or disease. The elderly woman's frailty required her to use a walking cane. His frailty made him susceptible to illnesses.
inadequacy	Conveys a sense of insufficiency or inability to meet certain requirements or standards. Often has a negative connotation. Her feelings of inadequacy prevented her from applying for the job. The inadequacy of the equipment led to the project's failure.
powerlessness	Describes a complete lack of control or ability to influence a situation. Often has a negative connotation. The villagers felt a sense of powerlessness during the flood. He expressed his powerlessness in the face of the bureaucracy.

Examples of usage

One of her weaknesses is her fear of public speaking.
His weakness for sweets always gets the best of him.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

flaw

Weakness can also refer to a personal flaw or fault, such as a character trait that is considered a limitation.

Synonyms

deficiency, flaw, imperfection, shortcoming.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
weakness	Typically refers to a lack of physical strength or a specific area where someone or something is not strong. His weakness for chocolate makes it hard for him to stick to his diet. Her only weakness in the job interview was her lack of experience.
flaw	Refers to a defect or imperfection, often in an object, plan, or character. Has a slightly negative connotation. The vase had a small flaw that reduced its value. There is a fundamental flaw in his argument.
shortcoming	Highlights a failing or deficiency in a person's character, ability, or a system. Usually refers to areas that need improvement. His main shortcoming as a manager is his inability to communicate effectively. The project has several shortcomings that need to be addressed.
deficiency	Used when talking about a lack of something essential or necessary, often related to health or resources. The doctor diagnosed her with iron deficiency. There is a deficiency in the educational resources in that area.
imperfection	Indicates something not being perfect, with a focus on minor or superficial issues. Often used more neutrally or with a softer tone. She embraced the imperfections in her hand-made pottery. Every painting has its own unique imperfections.

Examples of usage

His weakness for alcohol led to many problems in his life.
She saw his stubbornness as a weakness that hindered their relationship.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Psychology

In psychology, recognizing personal weaknesses is seen as essential for self-improvement.
Overemphasis on weakness can lead to negative mental health outcomes, such as anxiety or depression.
Contrastingly, acknowledging weaknesses can foster resilience and personal growth when one works to address them.

Pop Culture

In superhero stories, characters' weaknesses often highlight their humanity, making them relatable.
Movies often plot around characters facing their weaknesses to grow stronger or overcome ultimate challenges.
Iconic phrases like 'I have a weakness for...' signify how vulnerabilities add depth to personal stories.

Literature

In classic literature, authors frequently explore the theme of weakness as a central conflict driving character development.
Many tragic heroes are defined by their fatal weaknesses, as seen in works such as Shakespeare's 'Macbeth'.
Poetry often reflects on personal weakness as a pathway to discovering inner strength and resilience.

Health & Fitness

Physical weakness can result from various health conditions, emphasizing the need for wellness and nutrition.
Mental weakness, often seen in terms of resilience, can fluctuate with life stressors and challenges.
Strength training is not just about improving physical strength; it also combats feelings of weakness over time.

Origin of 'weakness'

Main points about word origin

The word comes from Middle English 'wench' or 'weken' meaning to be weak or feeble.
Its roots can be traced back to Old English 'wæcnan', which means to become weak or feeble.
Interestingly, it is related to the word 'week', which also hints at lack and periodic cycles.

The word 'weakness' originated from the Old English word 'wacness', which meant 'lack of strength'. Over time, the meaning expanded to include vulnerabilities and flaws. The concept of weakness has been explored in various philosophical and psychological contexts, highlighting the human condition of imperfection and the need for self-awareness and growth.

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

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #3,814, this word is part of upper-intermediate vocabulary. While not among the most basic terms, it appears often enough to be valuable for advanced communication.

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