weakness

[week-nis] / ˈwik nɪs /

NOUN

defect, proneness

Synonyms

STRONGEST

deficiency failing flaw fragility frailty gap instability lack lapse shortcoming vulnerability

STRONG

appetite blemish debility decrepitude delicacy enervation faintness fault feebleness fondness impairment imperfection impotence inclination inconstancy indecision infirmity invalidity irresolution languor liking passion penchant powerlessness predilection proclivity prostration senility taste vice vitiation

WEAK

Achilles heel chink in armor soft spot sore point

Antonyms

STRONGEST

advantage perfection strength strong point success

STRONG

ability health robustness soundness

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

It would further expose a structural weakness in Batson itself.

From Slate • Apr. 10, 2026

It noted that the first half of April tends to exhibit weakness in retail-investor activity because of the approach of Tax Day.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 9, 2026

ALS, on the other hand, targets motor neurons, causing progressive muscle weakness that eventually leads to paralysis.

From Science Daily • Apr. 9, 2026

Those are also reasons for recent stock weakness.

From Barron's • Apr. 7, 2026

I like to think that it isn’t weakness or evasion, but a final act of kindness, a stand against oblivion and despair, to let my lovers live and to unite them at the end.

From "Atonement" by Ian McEwan

Vocabulary lists containing weakness

Florida's B.E.S.T. Common Suffixes: -ness

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Unit 1, Week 4

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The Suffix -ness, Part 1

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