weak

adjective

ˈwēk How to pronounce weak (audio)
Definition of weaknext
1
as in weakened
lacking bodily strength the little boy was simply too weak to lift the box

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2
as in soft
lacking strength of will or character I was too weak to resist the free doughnuts in the office break room

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3
as in thin
not containing very much of some important element the coffee came out too weak because I didn't use enough ground beans

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4
as in unreasonable
not using or following good reasoning your argument is weak

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5
as in helpless
unable to act or achieve one's purpose the vice president is a relatively weak official

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a weak position
a vulnerable position
a susceptible position
an insecure position
a fragile position
a poor position
a weak economy
a feeble economy
a vulnerable economy
a fragile economy
an unstable economy
a frail economy
weak signals
poor signals
poor-quality signals
unreliable signals
insufficient signals
inadequate signals
a weak solution
an inconsistent solution
an inadequate solution
an ineffectual solution
a faulty solution
a deficient solution
a weak smile
a feeble smile
a pathetic smile
a faint smile
a limp smile
an unconvincing smile

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective weak contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of weak are decrepit, feeble, fragile, frail, and infirm. While all these words 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

When is it sensible to use decrepit instead of weak?

The synonyms decrepit and weak are sometimes interchangeable, but decrepit implies being worn-out or broken-down from long use or old age.

the dowager's decrepit retainers

In what contexts can feeble take the place of weak?

Although the words feeble and weak have much in common, feeble suggests extreme weakness inviting pity or contempt.

a feeble attempt to walk

When might fragile be a better fit than weak?

While in some cases nearly identical to weak, fragile suggests frailty and brittleness unable to resist rough usage.

a reclusive poet too fragile for the rigors of this world

When is frail a more appropriate choice than weak?

The meanings of frail and weak largely overlap; however, frail implies delicacy and slightness of constitution or structure.

a frail teenager unable to enjoy sports

Where would infirm be a reasonable alternative to weak?

The words infirm and weak are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, infirm suggests instability, unsoundness, and insecurity due to old age or crippling illness.

infirm residents requiring constant care

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 weak Biden's delivery was weak, his answers scattered and his presence onstage failed to ease voter concerns. —Jesus Mesa, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 July 2025 Mouth sores, dry mouth, and oral infections are often indicators that HIV is progressing and the immune system is becoming weaker. —Carley Millhone, Health, 6 July 2025 There is a rise, however, in the total number of weak (EF0-EF1) tornadoes recorded from 1950-1990. —Diana Furchtgott-Roth, Boston Herald, 6 July 2025 And while the unemployment rate remains low, hiring has been weak, leaving those without jobs struggling to find new work. —Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 27 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for weak
Recent Examples of Synonyms for weak
  1. thin
  2. unreasonable
  3. helpless
  4. feeble
  5. soft
  6. dilute
  7. irrational
  8. paralyzed
Adjective
  • But rather than spreading resources thin to cast a wide net that lightly lifts production across the board, policymakers should focus their energy on restoring the production capacity of sectors critical to national security and Americans' health.
    — Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 June 2025
  • Each version features flattering ruching at the midsection, thin straps for minimal tan lines, and dozens of colors to choose from.
    — Alesandra Dubin, Travel + Leisure, 30 June 2025
Definition of thin
Adjective
  • The Biden-era Justice Department, Washington, D.C., and six states sued in 2021, arguing the alliance violates Section 1 of the Sherman Act, a federal antitrust law that prohibits unreasonable restraints on competition.
    — Zach Schonfeld, The Hill, 30 June 2025
  • The post garnered hundreds of responses with the majority of commenters arguing that her critique of her friend was unreasonable.
    — Latoya Gayle, People.com, 28 June 2025
Definition of unreasonable
Adjective
  • Her precocity gives the novel its wit, but Shteyngart is also alert to the fact that a child, however bright, is fundamentally helpless. Not to mention desperate for her parents’ affection, which is in short supply for Vera.
    — Mark Athitakis, Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2025
  • Evans stood next to a small boat, clad in waders and helpless to stop the rising waters.
    — Keisha Rowe, The Courier-Journal, 2 July 2025
Definition of helpless
Adjective
  • Leon Goretzka intercepted a feeble Pulgar clearance about 25 yards from goal and rather than close out to him, three Flamengo players decided to block off the corner of the net to the left of goalkeeper Agustin Rossi.
    — Liam Twomey, New York Times, 29 June 2025
  • First appearing in Street Fighter Alpha in 1995, Hibiki is consistently portrayed as an overconfident, arrogant and utterly feeble character.
    — Justin Kroll, Deadline, 26 June 2025
Definition of feeble
Adjective
  • These attempts to reshape the narrative around China’s actions go way beyond cultural soft power.
    — Isabelle Mayault, The Dial, 8 July 2025
  • Queen Camilla styled an Anna Valentine emerald green midi dress with three-quarter-length sleeves, a rounded neckline and slightly flared skirt with soft pleats.
    — Julia Teti, Footwear News, 8 July 2025
Definition of soft
Adjective
  • Vinegar, which is really dilute acetic acid, will help the milk curdle by further denaturing the whey proteins and neutralizing negative charges at the surface of casein micelles.
    — Liz Roth-Johnson, Discover Magazine, 12 Feb. 2013
  • However toxic a substance may be, the amount of exposure received by the general population is very dilute.
    — George Johnson, Discover Magazine, 8 July 2013
Definition of dilute
Adjective
  • So watch for seemingly irrational behavior and erratic tactical moves, as leadership is unafraid to confuse customers and take outsized capital risks.
    — Forrester, Forbes.com, 2 July 2025
  • As Reva relates the stories of her three main characters—including one whose true passion is snail conservation—her novel hums with bruised faith in the irrational power of hope, whether for peace, love, endangered species, or familial reconciliation.
    — The New Yorker, New Yorker, 23 June 2025
Definition of irrational
Adjective
  • For Maria, shifting health care policies have left her feeling paralyzed.
    — Kff Health News, Oc Register, 26 June 2025
  • Heavenly Ever After After decades of working as a loan shark to support herself and her paralyzed husband, Lee Hae-sook (Kim Hye-ja) dies shortly after his passing and arrives in Heaven.
    — Regina Kim, Forbes.com, 24 June 2025
Definition of paralyzed

Browse Nearby Words

waywardness
weak
weaken
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Cite this Entry

“Weak.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://x0upouf933.proxynodejs.usequeue.com/thesaurus/weak. Accessed 12 Jul. 2025.

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