weakening

/'wi:kniɳ/

Thân thiện

The old bridge shows signs of weakening after many years.

Definition

1. Noun:

   • The act of reducing the strength or intensity of something: This refers to the process or action of making something less strong, powerful, or effective.
   • The process of becoming weaker: This refers to the state or condition of losing strength, power, or intensity over time.

2. Adjective:

   • Causing something to become less strong or intense: Describes an action or force that reduces strength.
   • Moderating by making pain or sorrow weaker: Describes something that lessens the severity of emotional or physical distress.

Usage Examples

• Noun:

  • The weakening of the bridge's structure led to its closure. (The reduction in the bridge's strength resulted in its closure.)
  • We observed a gradual weakening of the storm as it moved inland. (We saw the storm become progressively less powerful.)

• Adjective:

  • The doctor prescribed a weakening dose of the medication. (The doctor prescribed a dose intended to reduce the medication's strong effects.)
  • Her weakening voice made it hard to hear her. (Her voice, which was becoming fainter, was difficult to hear.)

Advanced Usage

• In a figurative sense: "Weakening" can describe the diminishment of non-physical forces.
  • The scandal caused a significant weakening of public trust in the institution. (The scandal led to a substantial reduction in the public's confidence.)
• In economics: Often used to describe a decline in currency value or economic indicators.
  • Analysts are concerned about the weakening of the national currency. (Experts are worried about the national money losing value.)

Variants and Related Words

• Weaken (verb): To make or become weaker.
  • The illness will weaken his immune system.
• Weak (adjective): Lacking strength.
  • She felt weak after the long journey.
• Weakness (noun): The state of being weak; a failing or flaw.
  • His main weakness is his lack of patience.

Synonyms

• Noun: Diminution, decline, debilitation, enfeeblement, erosion.
• Adjective: Debilitating, enfeebling, sapping, moderating.

Antonyms

• Noun: Strengthening, fortification, intensification.
• Adjective: Strengthening, invigorating, intensifying.

Related Phrases

• A weakening effect: Describes an influence that causes something to lose strength.
  • The constant criticism had a weakening effect on the team's morale.
• Show signs of weakening: To begin to become less strong.
  • The market is showing signs of weakening after a long rally.

Học thuật

Adjective

1. moderating by making pain or sorrow weaker
2. causing debilitation

Noun

1. the act of reducing the strength of something
2. becoming weaker

Từ đồng nghĩa

• debilitative
• enervating
• enfeebling