[syn: helplessness, weakness, impuissance]
3. the property of lacking physical or mental strength; liability to failure under pressure or stress or strain;
- Example: "his weakness increased as he became older"
- Example: "the weakness of the span was overlooked until it collapsed"
4. the condition of being financially weak;
- Example: "the weakness of the dollar against the yen"
5. a penchant for something even though it might not be good for you;
- Example: "he has a weakness for chocolate"
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Weakness \Weak"ness\, n.
1. The quality or state of being weak; want of strength or
firmness; lack of vigor; want of resolution or of moral
strength; feebleness.
[1913 Webster]
2. That which is a mark of lack of strength or resolution; a
fault; a defect.
[1913 Webster]
Many take pleasure in spreading abroad the weakness
of an exalted character. --Spectator.
[1913 Webster]
Syn: Feebleness; debility; languor; imbecility; infirmness;
infirmity; decrepitude; frailty; faintness.
[1913 Webster]
WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006):
weakness
n 1: a flaw or weak point; "he was quick to point out his wife's
failings" [syn: failing, weakness]
2: powerlessness revealed by an inability to act; "in spite of
their weakness the group remains active" [syn:
helplessness, weakness, impuissance]
3: the property of lacking physical or mental strength;
liability to failure under pressure or stress or strain; "his
weakness increased as he became older"; "the weakness of the
span was overlooked until it collapsed" [ant: strength]
4: the condition of being financially weak; "the weakness of the
dollar against the yen" [ant: strength]
5: a penchant for something even though it might not be good for
you; "he has a weakness for chocolate"