B2noun2K

Weakness

UK /["/ˈwiːknəs/"]/US /["/ˈwiːknəs/"]/

Definition

lack of physical strength

In simple words: A part of someone or something that is not strong.

Examples

  • Her greatest weakness is her inability to say no to others.
  • The team's weakness in defense led to their defeat in the final match.
  • He acknowledged his weakness for sweets, especially chocolate.
  • Identifying your weakness can be the first step towards personal growth.
  • Her emotional weakness was evident when she discussed her childhood.

Usage notes

Use in both casual and formal contexts to describe physical or emotional frailty. Avoid in strong or competitive contexts where you might want to highlight strengths.

Grammar pattern

standalone noun

Memory hint

Think of 'weak' + 'ness' — it's the 'ness' of being weak.

Collocations

  • big
  • fundamental
  • great
  • have
  • suffer from
  • cause
  • be
  • lie
  • weakness in
  • a moment of weakness
  • a sign of weakness
  • strengths and weaknesses
  • big
  • fundamental
  • great
  • have
  • suffer from
  • cause
  • be
  • lie
  • weakness in
  • a moment of weakness
  • a sign of weakness
  • strengths and weaknesses
  • real
  • have
  • develop
  • overcome
  • weakness for

Synonyms

  • flaw
  • failing
  • deficiency
  • vulnerability
  • shortcoming

Antonyms

  • strength
  • power
  • fortitude

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'weak' as an adjective.
  • Used inappropriately when describing personal traits in a job interview.
  • Misunderstood as a sign of failure rather than an area for improvement.