weak-minded

weak-minded

A teacher helps a weak-minded student with a simple puzzle.

Definition
  1. Adjective:
    • Lacking intelligence or mental strength: "weak-minded" describes a person who is not intelligent or who has little ability to think or reason effectively. It often implies a lack of firmness or decisiveness in one's thoughts or actions.
    • Easily influenced or persuaded: The term can also refer to someone who is susceptible to manipulation or who lacks the mental fortitude to resist external pressures.
Usage Examples
  • (Lacking mental strength or decisiveness.)
  • (Lacking intelligence or quickness of thought.)
  • (Easily influenced or persuaded.)
Advanced Usage

  • "weak-minded" as a derogatory term: This word is often used pejoratively to criticize someone's intellectual or moral weakness.

    • Calling someone weak-minded is a harsh insult in most contexts. (Using the term to demean another person's mental capacity.)

  • "weak-minded" in psychological contexts: In some discussions, it may refer to a lack of cognitive resilience or an inability to maintain focus.

    • The therapist noted that the patient's weak-minded tendencies contributed to his anxiety. (A clinical observation about mental fragility.)
Variants and Related Words

  • Weak-mindedness (noun): the state or quality of being weak-minded.

    • Her weak-mindedness made her an easy target for scammers. (The condition of lacking mental strength.)

  • Weak-minded (adjective) is the base form; weak-mindedly (adverb) is rarely used but possible.

    • He acted weak-mindedly when he agreed to the unfair terms. (In a weak-minded manner.)
Synonyms
  • Foolish: lacking good sense or judgment.
  • Simple-minded: lacking intelligence; naive.
  • Feeble-minded: lacking mental strength; often used historically as a clinical term (now considered offensive).
  • Gullible: easily deceived or tricked.
Antonyms
  • Strong-minded: having a firm and determined character.
  • Intelligent: having or showing mental sharpness.
  • Resolute: admirably purposeful and determined.
Related Idioms

  • Weak in the head: informal phrase meaning not very intelligent.

    • He's a bit weak in the head, so be patient with him. (Similar meaning to weak-minded.)

  • Not the sharpest tool in the shed: an idiom for lacking intelligence.

    • She's not the sharpest tool in the shed, but she tries hard. (Implies weak-mindedness or dullness.)