weak
Lacking in force (usually strength) or ability.
Word facts
Definition of Weak
Unable to sustain a great weight, pressure, or strain.
Example sentences
After three days without food, he felt too weak to stand without leaning on the wall.
The bridge was condemned because its central support beam had grown dangerously weak.
Using Weak well
A closer look at how weak is used — meaning in plain English, how close synonyms differ, and examples at different levels.
Not strong; lacking physical power, force, or effectiveness.
Use it when something or someone lacks strength, whether physical, structural, or figurative (a weak argument, a weak signal, weak coffee). It often carries a mildly critical tone.
Health and the body, structures and materials, arguments and reasoning, signals and connections, drinks, and economics (a weak currency or market).
Do not confuse 'weak' with 'week' (seven days). They sound alike but 'weak' is the adjective meaning 'not strong'.
- feeble
- Stronger and more pitying; suggests very little strength, often from age or illness.
- frail
- Emphasizes delicacy and being easily broken, typically of a person's health or an aging body.
- flimsy
- Applies to objects or arguments that fall apart under pressure; stresses poor construction.
- faint
- Used of sounds, lights, or signals that are barely perceptible, not of physical power.
- fragile
- Focuses on being easily damaged; a thing can be fragile yet not exactly 'weak' in force.
- Beginner I felt weak and tired after being sick all week.
- In writing The prosecution's case rested on a weak chain of circumstantial evidence.
- Advanced It was a weak position dressed up as strategy, and everyone in the room sensed the difference.
Weak has an 'a' and means 'not strong'; week (the time) is spelled with two e's.
Related words
Words closely connected to Weak in meaning or use:
Words that rhyme with Weak
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FAQ
Questions people ask
What does weak mean?
Lacking in force (usually strength) or ability. It is an adjective.
How many syllables does weak have?
Weak is a one-syllable word, said in a single beat: weak.
What part of speech is weak?
In a sentence, weak functions as an adjective. As an adjective, it describes or modifies a noun.
What are synonyms for weak?
Close in meaning to weak are pallid, light, soft, tenuous — choose the one whose tone fits your sentence.
How do you use weak in a sentence?
Example: "After three days without food, he felt too weak to stand without leaning on the wall."