weakness

Reading level: hard

Estimated CEFR level: B1 — Intermediate

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun a flaw or weak point
  2. noun powerlessness revealed by an inability to act
  3. noun the property of lacking physical or mental strength; liability to failure under pressure or stress or strain

Etymology

From Middle English wayknesse, weykenesse, replacing earlier Middle English wocnesse, wakenes, wacnesse (“weakness”), from Old English wācnes (“weakness”). Equivalent to weak + -ness.

In classic literature

Synonyms

failing

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