Strengths and Weaknesses: Meaning & Examples

Meaning 1：strong and weak points (strengths and weaknesses)

strengths and weaknesses 🔊

/strɛŋkθs ænd ˈwiːknəsɪz/

n. phr.

The things you are good at and the things you are not so good at.

Strengths and weaknesses in job interview with icons

strong and weak points 🔊

➕

/strɔːŋ ænd wiːk pɔɪnts/

n. phr.

The expression 'strengths and weaknesses' refers to the positive and negative aspects or capabilities of a person, organization, or thing, often used in analysis or evaluation contexts.

📁 Category：Behaviors & Actions 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

Strength from Old English 'strengþu' (strong + -th); weakness from 'wācnes' (weak + -ness).

💡 Mnemonic

Imagine a balance scale: strengths on one side (trophy), weaknesses on the other (puzzle piece) – weigh them honestly.

📖 Example

During the job interview, she honestly discussed her strengths and weaknesses, which impressed the hiring manager. 🔊 During the job interview, she honestly discussed her strengths and weaknesses, which impressed the hiring manager.

🔗 Collocations

identify strengths and weaknesses – to recognize the positive and negative aspects

analyze strengths and weaknesses – to examine the good and bad points in detail

list your strengths and weaknesses – to write down what you are good at and what you need to improve

🔄 Synonyms

pros and cons (n. phr.) – the advantages and disadvantages of something

advantages and disadvantages (n. phr.) – the good and bad features of a situation

upsides and downsides (n. phr.) – the positive and negative aspects of something

🌱 Derivatives

strengthen (v.) – to make something stronger

weaken (v.) – to make something less strong

strongly (adv.) – in a strong manner

📖 Cultural Story

The phrase is widely used in SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) for strategic planning. Its popularity in business and psychology reflects the need for balanced self-evaluation.