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Dictionaryweakness
noun

weakness

A lack of strength or a point where something is vulnerable.

The inspection reveals a weakness in the bridge's support beams.

Etymology
weakOld Norseweak or yielding
+nessEnglishstate or quality

The adjective for yielding or lacking strength takes a quality ending. Weakness names that condition or a particular vulnerable feature.

More examples

  • She still feels some weakness in her legs after the flu.
  • The main weakness of this plan is its cost.
  • Regular security checks help us find weaknesses in the system.

Forms

weakness · weaknesses

weak adjective — Lacking strength, power, or ability to resist.

weaken verb — To make or become less strong.

Similar words

frailty
Emphasizes physical delicacy or poor health rather than specific flaws.
vulnerability
Emphasizes exposure to harm or attack rather than low strength.
flaw
Names a specific defect, not a general lack of strength.