What does strength mean?
Strength is the quality of having power, endurance, resilience, or influence. It most commonly describes physical capacity, as in the strength of a person, animal, material, or structure, but it also applies to emotional resilience, conviction, and the capacity of a person or organization to exert influence. A person may draw strength from confidence, experience, or support. In the established phrase "on the strength of," the word means on the basis of something. Strength can also identify a particular advantage or source of power: the strength of an argument, for example, is the part that is especially convincing or effective. The word is versatile because it moves easily between physical, emotional, political, and analytical contexts while retaining the central idea of capacity, force, or dependable power.
nounThe degree or quality of being strong, especially the power to exert force, resist pressure, or endure difficulty. It can also refer to a source of power, influence, confidence, or support.
- The physical power or muscular capability of a person, animal, or thing.
- The ability to resist pressure, wear, breakage, or adverse conditions.
- A source of power, influence, confidence, or support.
- Military or organizational capacity, especially in terms of personnel and resources.
- A particular quality or feature regarded as advantageous.
"The bridge was tested for strength before it was opened to traffic."
"Her strength and determination carried her through the difficult final stage."
"They made the decision on the strength of the previous week's results."
The plural is used especially for individual strengths, advantages, or qualities of a person, object, or argument.
"The team's greatest strengths were its speed and teamwork."
Strength is not merely the ability to overpower; it is also the capacity to endure, persist, and influence.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does strength come from?
The word comes from Old English strengþ, meaning strength or force. It developed from the same Germanic root represented in the adjective strong and related forms in other Germanic languages. In Middle English, the noun was established in senses including physical power, moral firmness, and military force; later usage extended it to the idea of a convincing argument or a source of power.
Related word forms
How strength is actually used
The noun is common in both formal and informal contexts. In expressions such as "on the strength of," it means because of the evidence or support provided by something.
Easily confused with strength
Strength is the quality or degree of power, endurance, or influence, whereas strong is the adjective describing something that has that quality.