Weaknesses: meaning, definitions and examples
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weaknesses
[ˈwiːknəsɪz ]
Definitions
personal qualities
Weaknesses are areas where someone lacks strength or ability. They can be physical, mental, emotional, or even spiritual shortcomings. Identifying and acknowledging weaknesses is important for personal growth and development.
Synonyms
deficiencies, flaws, limitations, shortcomings.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| weaknesses |
Appropriate for general discussions about areas where someone or something lacks strength or capability. Commonly used in personal development or performance reviews.
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| shortcomings |
Describes areas where someone or something falls short of expectations or standards. It has a mild negative connotation and is often used in reviews or evaluations.
|
| limitations |
Discusses inherent restrictions or bounds that prevent someone or something from reaching full potential. Often used in technical, legal, or personal contexts.
|
| flaws |
Refers to imperfections or faults that detract from the overall quality or value of something. Commonly used in discussions about objects, plans, or characters.
|
| deficiencies |
Used when talking about the absence or shortfall of some essential quality or element. Often appears in technical, medical, or nutritional contexts.
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Examples of usage
- Recognizing his weaknesses helped him improve himself.
- She turned her weaknesses into strengths.
- Learning from our weaknesses can make us stronger.
- It's important to be aware of your weaknesses.
- We all have weaknesses, and that's okay.
business
In a business context, weaknesses refer to internal factors that may hinder the company's performance or competitiveness. These can include lack of resources, outdated technology, poor management, or inadequate skills.
Synonyms
areas for improvement, challenges, vulnerabilities, weak points.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| weaknesses |
General term for describing lack of strength in a skill, ability, or physical state.
|
| challenges |
Refers to difficulties or obstacles that require effort to overcome, often implying a manageable or positive perspective.
|
| vulnerabilities |
Indicates openness to harm or attack, often used in relation to security, emotions, or physical health.
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| weak points |
Describes specific parts or aspects of something that are not strong or effective, often used in tactical or strategic contexts.
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| areas for improvement |
Used in professional or educational settings to indicate where someone can improve their skills or performance in a constructive way.
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Examples of usage
- The company's weaknesses were identified during the SWOT analysis.
- Addressing weaknesses is essential for business growth.
- Improving weaknesses can lead to increased profitability.
- Awareness of weaknesses helps in strategic planning.
- Converting weaknesses into strengths is a key business strategy.
Interesting Facts
Psychology
- People often feel stressed when facing their weaknesses, but acknowledging them can lead to personal growth and improvement.
- In psychology, the concept of a 'strengths-based approach' encourages people to focus on their strengths while recognizing their weaknesses as areas for development.
Business & Leadership
- In the workplace, understanding team members' weaknesses promotes collaboration, allowing teams to support one another effectively.
- Many successful leaders advocate for vulnerability, encouraging openness about weaknesses to build trust and foster a safe work environment.
Self-Improvement
- Identifying weaknesses is often the first step in setting goals and creating a personal development plan to improve those areas.
- Many self-help books emphasize the importance of being honest about personal weaknesses to enrich the journey toward self-improvement.
Pop Culture
- Characters in movies and books often face weaknesses that they must overcome, helping audiences relate to their struggles and grow with them.
- Reality television often highlights contestants' weaknesses, showcasing the vulnerability behind personal and competitive growth.
Education
- In education, understanding students' weaknesses allows teachers to tailor their approaches so that learning can be more effective.
- Assessment tests often help reveal students' weaknesses, guiding targeted help for better academic success.
Translations
Translations of the word "weaknesses" in other languages:
🇵🇹 fraquezas
🇮🇳 कमजोरियाँ
🇩🇪 Schwächen
🇮🇩 kelemahan
🇺🇦 слабкі сторони
🇵🇱 słabości
🇯🇵 弱点
🇫🇷 faiblesses
🇪🇸 debilidades
🇹🇷 zayıflıklar
🇰🇷 약점
🇸🇦 نقاط الضعف
🇨🇿 slabiny
🇸🇰 slabiny
🇨🇳 弱点
🇸🇮 šibkosti
🇮🇸 veikleikar
🇰🇿 әлсіздіктер
🇬🇪 სისუსტეები
🇦🇿 zəif nöqtələr
🇲🇽 debilidades