Definition

Noun: 1. A state or condition of lacking strength, power, or vigor: This refers to a lack of physical, mental, or financial strength. 2. A fault or defect in character, a system, or an object: This refers to a specific flaw or vulnerable point. 3. A special or excessive liking for something, even if it is unwise: This refers to a fondness or penchant for a particular thing.

Usage

Weakness is a countable noun when referring to a specific flaw or fondness (e.g., "He has several weaknesses"). It is an uncountable noun when referring to the general state or condition of being weak (e.g., "The patient complained of weakness").

Examples

1. Referring to a lack of strength:
   • After the long illness, she felt a great deal of weakness in her legs.
   • The economic weakness of the country was a major concern for investors.
2. Referring to a fault or flaw:
   • Not being able to delegate tasks is a common managerial weakness.
   • The security report identified a critical weakness in the software.
3. Referring to a fondness:
   • I have a weakness for old detective novels.
   • His only weakness is expensive chocolate.

Advanced Usage

• "Achilles' heel": This idiom is a synonym for a critical or fatal weakness. It originates from Greek mythology.
  • His lack of attention to detail is his Achilles' heel.
• "Strength and weakness": These two nouns are often used together to discuss the positive and negative attributes of someone or something.
  • The interview question asked about my greatest strengths and weaknesses.

Variants and Related Words

• Weak (adj): Lacking strength or power.
  • A weak signal; a weak argument.
• Weaken (verb): To make or become weak.
  • The storm weakened the structure.
• Weakling (noun, often derogatory): A person who is physically or morally weak.

Synonyms

1. For lack of strength: Frailty, feebleness, debility, powerlessness.
2. For a fault or flaw: Shortcoming, failing, defect, vulnerability.
3. For a fondness: Fondness, penchant, liking, soft spot.

Antonyms

1. For lack of strength: Strength, power, vigor, robustness.
2. For a fault or flaw: Strength, forte, asset, advantage.

Related Phrases

• Point of weakness: A specific area that is vulnerable.
  • The inspectors checked the bridge for any point of weakness.
• Show weakness: To reveal one's lack of strength or resolve.
  • In the negotiations, he was careful not to show weakness.

Noun

1. a penchant for something even though it might not be good for you
   • he has a weakness for chocolate
2. the condition of being financially weak
   • the weakness of the dollar against the yen
3. the property of lacking physical or mental strength; liability to failure under pressure or stress or strain
   • his weakness increased as he became older
   • the weakness of the span was overlooked until it collapsed
4. powerlessness revealed by an inability to act
   • in spite of their weakness the group remains active
5. a flaw or weak point
   • he was quick to point out his wife's failings