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Definitions

weak link

NOUN
Achilles heel
Synonyms
WEAK
chink in the armor damaging weakness defect failing flaw foible frailty heel of Achilles susceptibility tender spot vulnerability weak spot weakness
NOUN
chink in one's armor
Synonyms
WEAK
Achilles' heel failing foible frailty shortcoming soft spot underbelly vulnerable place weak side weakness
NOUN
weak spot
Synonyms
WEAK
chink in one's armor fatal flaw vulnerable point weak point weak side weakness

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.

While private-equity deals and asset sales are continuing the recovery begun last year, fundraising remains the weak link.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026

“Italy is Europe’s weak link when it comes to energy because it is so dependent on energy imports.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 27, 2026

They are just looking for a weak link, he tells Panorama.

From BBC • Jul. 21, 2025

But to be effective, there cannot be any weak link in the defense.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 14, 2024

This weak link is made even weaker by glancing back to a recent decade, the 1960s, when the economy went on a wild growth spurt—as did violent crime.

From "Freakonomics: A Rogue Economist Explores the Hidden Side of Everything" by Steven D. Levitt