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weak

adjective
\ ˈwēk How to pronounce weak (audio) \

Definition of weak

1 : lacking strength: such as
a : deficient in physical vigor : feeble, debilitated
b : not able to sustain or exert much weight, pressure, or strain
c : not able to resist external force or withstand attack
d : easily upset or nauseated a weak stomach
2a : mentally or intellectually deficient
b : not firmly decided : vacillating
c : resulting from or indicating lack of judgment or discernment
d : not able to withstand temptation or persuasion the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak
3 : not factually grounded or logically presented a weak argument
4a : not able to function properly weak eyes
b(1) : lacking skill or proficiency tutoring for weaker students
(2) : indicative of a lack of skill or aptitude history was my weakest subject
c : wanting in vigor of expression or effect a weak translation of the poem
5a : deficient in the usual or required ingredients : dilute weak coffee
b : lacking normal intensity or potency a weak radio signal a weak strain of virus
6a : not having or exerting authority or political power weak government
b : ineffective, impotent
7a : of, relating to, or constituting a verb or verb conjugation that in English forms the past tense and past participle by adding the suffix -ed or -d or -t
b of a noun or adjective declension in Germanic languages : retaining a lesser number of distinctions in case, number and gender
8a : bearing the minimal degree of stress occurring in the language a weak syllable
b : having little or no stress and obscured vowel sound 'd in he'd is the weak form of would
9 : tending toward a lower price or value a weak market a weak dollar
10 : ionizing only slightly in solution weak acids and bases
Other Words from weak Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about weak

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Other Words from weak

weakly adverb

Choose the Right Synonym for weak

weak, feeble, frail, fragile, infirm, decrepit mean not strong enough to endure strain, pressure, or strenuous effort. weak applies to deficiency or inferiority in strength or power of any sort. felt weak after the surgery feeble suggests extreme weakness inviting pity or contempt. a feeble attempt to walk frail implies delicacy and slightness of constitution or structure. a frail teenager unable to enjoy sports fragile suggests frailty and brittleness unable to resist rough usage. a reclusive poet too fragile for the rigors of this world infirm suggests instability, unsoundness, and insecurity due to old age or crippling illness. infirm residents requiring constant care decrepit implies being worn-out or broken-down from long use or old age. the dowager's decrepit retainers

weak, feeble, and frail mean not strong enough to stand pressure or hard effort. weak can be used of either a temporary or permanent loss of strength or power. I felt weak after the operation. I have weak eyes. feeble implies very great and pitiful weakness. A feeble dog wandered in the streets. frail can be used of a person who since birth has had a delicate body. Being a frail child I was always getting sick.

Examples of weak in a Sentence

He has a weak throwing arm. The illness left her too weak to stand up. The child was born with weak lungs. The batter hit a weak ground ball. She uttered her reply in a weak voice. The door's hinge is weak.
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Recent Examples on the Web

 In the Polynesian period, Molokai, close at hand and weaker than neighboring islands, beckoned powerful outsiders to conquer and exploit, often en route to larger battles elsewhere. — Wade Graham, Smithsonian, "Why Molokai, With All Its Wonders, Is the Least Developed of Hawai’i’s Islands," 31 Aug. 2019 Recently, there was a report about a couple of action stars who devise their contracts in such a way that prevents them from losing fights or appearing weaker than their counterparts. — Brian Davids, The Hollywood Reporter, "Domhnall Gleeson on 'The Kitchen' and the Surprising Humor of 'Star Wars' Co-Star Adam Driver," 23 Aug. 2019 When all is said and done, the production is different, but the chorus still feels weak. — Robbie Daw, Billboard, "'Songland' Recap: Old Dominion Search For a Jeep Commercial Smash," 22 Aug. 2019 But the strength of the field for the new repeater is around 100 times weaker than that of FRB 121102. — Elizabeth Gibney, Scientific American, "Astronomers Are Closer to Cracking the Mystery of Fast Radio Bursts," 15 Aug. 2019 The annual monsoon, which typically arrives in June, was late and weaker than usual. — The Economist, "Why are water levels of the Mekong at a 100-year low?," 7 Aug. 2019 Boring, bland, and weak, Volbeat’s songs were the perfect thing to make Slipknot look weird and edgy. — Tom Reardon, azcentral, "Slipknot's Knotfest meets the triple-digit Phoenix heat for mixed results," 4 Aug. 2019 This new season somehow makes the friendships feel weak. — Rebecca Smith, refinery29.com, "Veronica Mars Goes To Hulu & Grows The F*ck Up," 15 July 2019 Symmetry hasn’t yet helped to explain why gravity is so weak, why the vacuum energy is so small, or why dark matter remains transparent. — Wired, "The Simple Idea Behind Einstein’s Greatest Discoveries," 14 July 2019

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