as in faults
a defect in character
his one weakness is his cockeyed optimism about everything
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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 weaknesses
By sector, Morris believes Disney’s headline success masks some underlying weaknesses.
—
Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 18 Mar. 2026
No one is making one another better, playing to strengths or covering up weaknesses.
—Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 16 Mar. 2026
Both exploited weaknesses in the Rams defense, with Saquon Barkley gashing it in 2024 and Sam Darnold attacking its outside cornerbacks last season.
—Jacob Robinson, New York Times, 16 Mar. 2026
When we get involved in a case part of our job is to identify the strengths and the weaknesses of the prosecution … this is a case that involved a lot of circumstantial evidence.
—Marcelena Spencer, CBS News, 15 Mar. 2026
If there are weaknesses in hardware or software, these long calculations tend to reveal them.
—Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 15 Mar. 2026
Also, partners who can acknowledge their strengths and weaknesses are often more open to personal growth.
—Sherri Gordon, Parents, 14 Mar. 2026
Coverages, fronts, the in and outs, understanding the weaknesses of offenses and understanding where to put players to succeed.
—Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 12 Mar. 2026
Some organizations squander the potential of advanced technologies, while others can compensate for technological weaknesses.
—Jon R. Lindsay, The Conversation, 11 Mar. 2026
Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 18 Mar. 2026
No one is making one another better, playing to strengths or covering up weaknesses.
—Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 16 Mar. 2026
Both exploited weaknesses in the Rams defense, with Saquon Barkley gashing it in 2024 and Sam Darnold attacking its outside cornerbacks last season.
—Jacob Robinson, New York Times, 16 Mar. 2026
When we get involved in a case part of our job is to identify the strengths and the weaknesses of the prosecution … this is a case that involved a lot of circumstantial evidence.
—Marcelena Spencer, CBS News, 15 Mar. 2026
If there are weaknesses in hardware or software, these long calculations tend to reveal them.
—Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 15 Mar. 2026
Also, partners who can acknowledge their strengths and weaknesses are often more open to personal growth.
—Sherri Gordon, Parents, 14 Mar. 2026
Coverages, fronts, the in and outs, understanding the weaknesses of offenses and understanding where to put players to succeed.
—Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 12 Mar. 2026
Some organizations squander the potential of advanced technologies, while others can compensate for technological weaknesses.
—Jon R. Lindsay, The Conversation, 11 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for weaknesses
Noun
-
For all her faults, Harris knows how to read a poll.—
Keith Naughton,
The Washington Examiner,
14 Mar. 2026
-
Xcel Energy Colorado's Andrew Holder, director of community relations and local government affairs, explained that devices known as re-closers trip when there are power line faults.—
Alan Gionet,
CBS News,
12 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Last year, an investigation concerning her position revealed no material shortcomings.—
Veronica Ortega,
CBS News,
16 Mar. 2026
-
Kyiv is also awaiting White House approval for a major drone production agreement proposed by Ukraine last year, Zelenskyy said Thursday, as countries scramble to modernize their air defenses after the Iran war exposed shortcomings.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
15 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
McNair spoke, unsuccessfully, before an Alabama Legislature that wanted to limit how schools teach events, such as the bombing that killed her sister, lest White children feel guilt for the sins of their forebears.—
John Archibald,
Southern Living,
16 Mar. 2026
-
The Bible teaches that lying, stealing, adultery and coveting your neighbor’s property are sins.—
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board,
Sun Sentinel,
16 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Getting backed down by Dončić was only one piece of an embarrassing bloodbath for the Bulls that highlighted every facet of this team’s defensive deficiencies.—
Julia Poe,
Chicago Tribune,
13 Mar. 2026
-
Four years later, Watson approached free agency with an eye toward helping address the Rams’ deficiencies.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
12 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Reporters here and across the nation routinely request public records to illuminate systemic failings, abuse and corruption across all levels of government.—
Katie Moore,
Kansas City Star,
12 Mar. 2026
-
The narrators have soft spots for various failings.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
12 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Weaknesses.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/weaknesses. Accessed 19 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
