What does weakness mean?
Weakness names a lack of strength in several related senses. It may refer to reduced physical energy, insufficient moral resolve or intellectual confidence, a flaw that leaves a person or system exposed, or susceptibility to pressure and exploitation. The expression "a weakness for" adds a gentler meaning: a strong liking or indulgence, as in "a weakness for expensive coffee." Weakness is not always wholly negative; acknowledging vulnerability can be a sign of self-awareness, while recognizing a weakness can make it easier to address. In arguments, organizations, games, and engineering, the word often identifies a specific vulnerability that others might exploit. Although the adjective weak is related, the noun weakness emphasizes either the condition itself or the particular fault, tendency, or preference associated with it.
nounLack of physical, mental, or moral strength; a fault or vulnerability that makes someone or something liable to criticism or attack. It can also mean a strong liking or indulgence for something.
- Lack of physical strength, energy, or stamina.
- Lack of moral strength, resolve, or intellectual confidence.
- A fault or limitation that makes a person, argument, or system vulnerable to criticism or attack.
- Susceptibility to being influenced, overcome, or exploited.
- A strong liking or indulgence for something.
"Her perceptiveness was matched by a weakness for impulsive decisions."
"The defense exposed a fatal weakness in the team's formation."
"He admitted a weakness for late-night snacks."
"The illness left her with considerable weakness."
Use the plural for separate faults, vulnerabilities, or strong preferences.
"The negotiator was careful not to reveal his weaknesses."
A weakness can be a flaw—or simply a fondness: "I have a weakness for chocolate."
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does weakness come from?
Weakness was formed in Middle English from weak and the suffix -ness. The adjective weak developed from Old English wac, while the suffix ultimately comes from Old English -nes, a productive element forming abstract nouns from adjectives. Related Germanic cognates include German schwach and Dutch zwak, all reflecting a common Proto-Germanic ancestry.
How weakness is actually used
The word is countable and uncountable. It may describe physical frailty, a moral or intellectual failing, a structural vulnerability, or a habitual fondness. In the sense of a marked fault or shortcoming, it often has an evaluative or critical tone.
Easily confused with weakness
Weak is normally an adjective describing something lacking strength, whereas weakness is the noun naming the condition, fault, vulnerability, or fondness.