How Do You Spell WEAKNESS?

Pronunciation: [wˈiːknəs] (IPA)

The word "weakness" is spelled with six letters and is pronounced as /ˈwiːknəs/. The first two letters "we" are pronounced as a long "e" sound followed by a short "e" sound. The "ak" is pronounced as a short "a" sound and the "ne" is pronounced as a short "i" sound. The "ss" at the end is pronounced as a "s" sound. This word refers to a state of lacking strength or vulnerability. It is commonly used in English to describe a physical, mental, or emotional deficiency in a person or thing.

WEAKNESS Meaning and Definition

  1. Weakness is a noun that refers to a condition or state of lacking strength, vigor, or physical ability. It can also describe a deficiency in power, force, or resistance. Weakness is commonly associated with a diminished physical or mental capacity, resulting in reduced functionality, performance, or effectiveness. It is the opposite of strength, both in a literal and metaphorical sense.

    In a physical context, weakness manifests as a decrease in muscular power, making it difficult to exert force physically. It may stem from physiological factors such as fatigue, malnutrition, illness, or injury. Weakness can also be used figuratively to describe individuals who are predisposed to being feeble, frail, or easily exhausted.

    When referring to mental or emotional aspects, weakness denotes a lack of resilience, determination, or fortitude. It represents vulnerability, susceptibility, or fragility in facing challenges, adversity, or pressure. People with mental weakness may struggle to cope with stress, making them more prone to anxiety or emotional instability.

    Weakness can also refer to a personal trait characterized by deficiencies in character or willpower. It may suggest a susceptibility to temptation or an inability to resist negative influences or harmful habits.

    In broader contexts, weakness can imply general ineffectiveness, instability, or inadequacy. It may refer to limitations, shortcomings, or flaws in methodologies, systems, arguments, or strategies.

    Ultimately, weakness is an encompassing term that describes situations, individuals, or attributes lacking strength, power, or capability, both physically and mentally.

  2. Want of physical strength; want of force or vigour; want of moral force; feebleness of mind; failing; fault; defect.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Top Common Misspellings for WEAKNESS *

* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.

Other Common Misspellings for WEAKNESS

Etymology of WEAKNESS

The word "weakness" originated from the Old English word "wēacen" or "wǣcen", which meant "the quality or state of being weak". It can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "wakjan", meaning "to be or become weak". Further tracing its roots, "wakjan" derives from the Proto-Indo-European root "weik-" or "wē̆k-", meaning "yield, give way". This same root gave rise to words such as "week", "wail", "waver", and "wake", which all share the underlying concept of lacking strength or firmness.

Idioms with the word WEAKNESS

  • have a weakness for sm or sth The idiom "have a weakness for someone or something" means to have an indulgent or strong liking or fondness for someone or something, even if it may not be considered reasonable or responsible. It implies that the person is often unable to resist or control their attraction or desire towards that person or thing.
  • have a weakness for someone or something The idiom "have a weakness for someone or something" means to be inclined or easily susceptible to feeling an intense fondness or attraction towards a person, object, or activity. It implies being unable to resist or control one's emotions, desires, or indulgence in relation to that particular person or thing.

Similar spelling words for WEAKNESS

Plural form of WEAKNESS is WEAKNESSES

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