What does weaken mean?
Weaken is a verb meaning to make something less strong or to become less strong. It can describe physical decline, as in a weakened immune system, as well as reductions in authority, confidence, opposition, or resolve. The word is useful because it conveys a process rather than a simple absence: a person or institution may remain active while gradually losing power, effectiveness, or support. Weaken is transitive when it names what is being reduced, as in “the criticism weakened the argument,” and intransitive when it describes a subject's own decline, as in “public confidence began to weaken.” The word is common in both British and American English and works in formal writing as well as everyday speech. It can carry a negative implication, since weakening usually suggests deterioration, vulnerability, or the loss of a previously established strength.
verbTo make or become less strong, powerful, effective, or resilient.
- Become less strong, powerful, effective, or resilient.
- Make something less strong, powerful, effective, or resilient.
"The new evidence weakened the government's case."
"His resolve began to weaken after several setbacks."
"Prolonged stress can weaken the body's defenses."
The quiet power of “weaken” comes from its ability to describe everything from a weakened immune system to a fading resolve.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Words that share this root
Related word forms
How weaken is actually used
Weaken is neutral in register and is common in formal and informal contexts. It often implies a gradual reduction in strength, effectiveness, or support, rather than a complete elimination.
Easily confused with weaken
Weaken means to make or become less strong, whereas waken is a literary word meaning to rouse from sleep.