C1verb 2K

Weaken

🇬🇧 UK /["/ˈwiːkən/","/ˈwiːkənz/","/ˈwiːkənd/","/ˈwiːkənɪŋ/"]/ 🇺🇸 US /["/ˈwiːkən/","/ˈwiːkənz/","/ˈwiːkənd/","/ˈwiːkənɪŋ/"]/

Meaning of Weaken

to make somebody/something less strong or powerful; to become less strong or powerful

In simple words: to make something less strong or less powerful

Weaken in a sentence

• The constant stress at work began to weaken her resolve.
• A poor diet can weaken the immune system and make you more susceptible to illness.
• The scandal served to weaken the politician's support among voters.
• Repeated exposure to harsh weather conditions can weaken the structure of the building.
• Over time, competition from new companies may weaken the dominant market leader.

How to use Weaken

Use 'weaken' in contexts where something's strength is reduced, like a person's health or a structure's stability. Avoid in very technical or scientific discussions where more specific terms are preferred.

Grammar pattern

weaken + object

Memory hint

Think of 'weaken' as 'weak' with a little extra action – like making something weak.

Related words

Collocations with Weaken

• considerably
• greatly
• seriously
• begin to
• start to
• continue to
• considerably
• greatly
• seriously
• begin to
• start to
• continue to

Synonyms for Weaken

• diminish
• lessen
• reduce
• attenuate
• impair

Opposites of Weaken

• strengthen
• fortify
• enhance

Common mistakes with Weaken

• Confused with 'weak' used as an adjective.
• Used in the wrong tense, like saying 'weakened' when 'weaken' is intended.
• Forgetting the object; saying 'weaken' without describing what is weakened.

Frequently asked questions about Weaken

What does Weaken mean?

to make something less strong or less powerful

What is the definition of Weaken?

to make somebody/something less strong or powerful; to become less strong or powerful

How do you use Weaken in a sentence?

The constant stress at work began to weaken her resolve.

Can you give another example of Weaken?

A poor diet can weaken the immune system and make you more susceptible to illness.

What are synonyms for Weaken?

Common alternatives include diminish, lessen, reduce, attenuate, impair.

What is the opposite of Weaken?

Opposite meanings include strengthen, fortify, enhance.

What words go with Weaken?

It commonly pairs with considerably, greatly, seriously, begin to, start to, continue to, considerably, greatly, seriously, begin to, start to, continue to.

What are common mistakes when using Weaken?

Confused with 'weak' used as an adjective. Used in the wrong tense, like saying 'weakened' when 'weaken' is intended. Forgetting the object; saying 'weaken' without describing what is weakened.

How do you pronounce Weaken?

US: /["/ˈwiːkən/","/ˈwiːkənz/","/ˈwiːkənd/","/ˈwiːkənɪŋ/"]/, UK: /["/ˈwiːkən/","/ˈwiːkənz/","/ˈwiːkənd/","/ˈwiːkənɪŋ/"]/. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

When should I use Weaken?

Use 'weaken' in contexts where something's strength is reduced, like a person's health or a structure's stability. Avoid in very technical or scientific discussions where more specific terms are preferred.

What CEFR level is Weaken?

"Weaken" is at C1 level on the CEFR scale.