1
as in fatigue
the quality or state of lacking physical strength or vigor
the flu left me with such overwhelming weakness that I could hardly stand
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in softness
the quality or state of lacking strength of will or character
in a moment of weakness he said yes to his daughter's request for a new toy
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in fault
a defect in character
his one weakness is his cockeyed optimism about everything
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in vulnerability
the quality or state of having little resistance to some outside agent
the devastating weakness of the immune system that is experienced by people with certain chronic conditions
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of weakness
Other symptoms are headache, vomiting, severe weakness, abdominal pain, nosebleeds and vomiting blood, according to the CDC.
—
Dr. Céline Gounder, CBS News, 18 May 2026
While some economists expect AI’s strengths to bolster productivity and subsequent employment, others argue the technology’s weaknesses will sustain the call center industry.
—Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 17 May 2026
The quality of an episode often depends less on the individual players’ strengths and weaknesses (or the strengths and weaknesses of the host) and more on the writing.
—Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 17 May 2026
Mali and Niger ostensibly rule over large parts of the southern Sahara desert, but state weakness means the actual reach of the central government is limited.
—Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 10 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for weakness
Dr. Céline Gounder, CBS News, 18 May 2026
While some economists expect AI’s strengths to bolster productivity and subsequent employment, others argue the technology’s weaknesses will sustain the call center industry.
—Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 17 May 2026
The quality of an episode often depends less on the individual players’ strengths and weaknesses (or the strengths and weaknesses of the host) and more on the writing.
—Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 17 May 2026
Mali and Niger ostensibly rule over large parts of the southern Sahara desert, but state weakness means the actual reach of the central government is limited.
—Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 10 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for weakness
Recent Examples of Synonyms for weakness
Noun
-
The lightweight, secure fit helps avoid ear fatigue associated with traditional earbuds, while Bluetooth connectivity makes pairing simple.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
16 May 2026
-
Viewer fatigue is less of a factor when stakes are raised down the stretch, though.—
Steven Louis Goldstein,
New York Times,
16 May 2026
Noun
-
The slouchy barrel-leg silhouette feels current without being overly trendy, while the fabric has enough softness and movement to remain comfortable throughout the day.—
Rosie Marder,
Travel + Leisure,
14 May 2026
-
There has been a softness to the team.—
George Caulkin,
New York Times,
14 May 2026
Noun
-
New research points to a mechanism within the Cascadia fault that could be accelerating a break.—
Julia Jacobo,
ABC News,
14 May 2026
-
That opacity serves a clear purpose, but Martelli is enamored by it to a fault, and Inés’ refusal to question the people around her or make any significant decisions beyond keeping her mouth shut eventually proves more trying than helpful.—
David Ehrlich,
IndieWire,
14 May 2026
Noun
-
The Moon in Taurus moves through your 8th House of Shared Resources, bringing attention to vulnerability, trust, money, and emotional exchange.—
Tarot.com,
The Orlando Sentinel,
15 May 2026
-
Anthropic also warned that highly capable AI models could dramatically improve offensive cyber operations by accelerating vulnerability discovery and attack planning.—
Aamir Khollam,
Interesting Engineering,
14 May 2026
Noun
-
The result can appear not only as exhaustion, but also irritability, decreased concentration, emotional numbing, sleep disruption, and heightened anxiety.—
Maia Niguel Hoskin,
Forbes.com,
18 May 2026
-
Korkosz said the challenge is not only violence, but exhaustion.—
Efrat Lachter,
FOXNews.com,
17 May 2026
Noun
-
Duren has been aware of his shortcomings over the last two seasons.—
Hunter Patterson,
New York Times,
18 May 2026
-
However, the system had its shortcomings.—
David Szondy
May 17,
New Atlas,
17 May 2026
Noun
-
Strawberry Planters Strawberries require unique growing conditions due to their shallow roots, trailing growth, and susceptibility to pests and root rot.—
Wendy Rose Gould,
Martha Stewart,
14 May 2026
-
But the gaps this outbreak revealed in our ability to respond, and our immense susceptibility to a virus more capable and catastrophic, will remain.—
Craig Spencer,
STAT,
13 May 2026
Noun
-
As Kasubhai observed, despite its legal feebleness, Kennedy’s declaration and its explicit threat has had a concrete impact on the provision of gender-affirming services to American youths.—
Business Columnist,
Los Angeles Times,
23 Apr. 2026
-
Signs of disease include warts on legs, crusty or swollen eyes, feebleness, a ruffled appearance, difficulty breathing, nasal discharge, and diarrhea.—
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
5 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Weakness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/weakness. Accessed 21 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
