weakness

noun

WEEK-nuhs/ˈwiːk.nəs/

Pluralweaknesses (some meanings)

3 meanings of weakness

1
noununcountable
The condition of lacking strength, whether in the body, the mind, or the structure of something.
The patient complained of muscle weakness following the surgery.
A sudden weakness overcame him as he climbed the final flight of stairs.
Similarfrailty, feebleness, fragility, debility, infirmity
Oppositestrength, power, invincibility, invulnerability
2
nouncountable
A flaw or inadequate quality in a person, plan, or thing; a fault or shortcoming.
Critics quickly identified a weakness in the argument's central claim.
The report listed several weaknesses in the company's security systems.
Similarflaw, defect, fault
Oppositestrength, forte
3
nouncountable
A particular fondness for something, often one a person finds difficult to resist.
She admits a weakness for expensive shoes she rarely wears.
His weakness for gambling eventually cost him his savings.
Similarfondness, penchant, liking, passion, love
Oppositeaversion, dislike, distaste

Practice

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Origin

From Middle English 'wayknesse', which replaced the earlier 'wocnesse' from Old English 'wācnes' meaning 'weakness'. It is simply 'weak' combined with the suffix '-ness'.