Reading Theme:
Weakness Definition, Examples & Common Mistakes (3 meaning)
Meaning 1：State of being weak (weakness)
weakness
/ˈwiːknəs/
n.
The state of not being strong in your body, mind, or in an argument or system.
State of being weak
➕
/steɪt əv ˈbiːɪŋ wiːk/
n.
The condition of lacking physical, mental, or structural strength, making it difficult to perform actions or resist pressure.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Old English 'wāc' (weak) + suffix '-ness' (state or condition).
💡 Mnemonic
Think: 'Weak knees' – when your body feels weak, your knees buckle. The '-ness' turns it into a state.
📖 Example
After being sick for a week, she felt a general weakness in her legs when she tried to walk.
After being ill for seven days, she experienced a widespread lack of strength in her legs upon attempting to walk.
🔗 Collocations
general weakness – A widespread feeling of lacking strength
muscle weakness – Reduced power in the muscles
overcome weakness – To conquer or surpass a state of feebleness
🔄 Synonyms
frailty (n.) – The condition of being physically or morally delicate and easily broken.
feebleness (n.) – A state of very little strength or energy.
debility (n.) – A state of severe weakness, often due to illness or age.
🚫 Antonyms
strength (n.) – The quality of being physically or mentally powerful.
vigor (n.) – Physical or mental energy and robustness.
resilience (n.) – The capacity to recover quickly from difficulties or weakness.
🌱 Derivatives
📖 Cultural Story
In medieval English law, a 'weakness' referred to a legal flaw in a case, later generalizing to physical and moral frailty. Modern contexts often highlight 'weakness' in business strategy or personal development discussions.
Meaning 2：Vulnerable point (weakness)
weakness
/ˈwiːknəs/
n.
A particular part of someone's character or a plan that is not good and can cause problems or be easily attacked.
Vulnerable point
➕
/ˈvʌlnərəbl pɔɪnt/
n.
A specific flaw or defect in a person's character, plan, or system that makes it susceptible to failure or attack.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
In the job interview, when asked about his greatest weakness, he honestly said he sometimes struggles with public speaking.
During the job interview, when questioned about his most significant flaw, he candidly admitted having difficulty with public speaking.
🔗 Collocations
identify a weakness – To locate a vulnerable aspect in a plan or character
exploit a weakness – To take advantage of a flaw for benefit or attack
weakness in the system – A defect within a structured process or organization
🔄 Synonyms
flaw (n.) – An imperfection or blemish that reduces the value or effectiveness of something.
shortcoming (n.) – A failure to meet a certain standard or expectation.
vulnerability (n.) – A condition of being exposed to the possibility of being harmed or attacked.
🚫 Antonyms
🌱 Derivatives
weakness-free (adj.) – Having no flaws or vulnerabilities.
weak-spot (n.) – A vulnerable point in an object or argument.
Meaning 3：Uncontrolled liking (weakness)
weakness
/ˈwiːknəs/
n.
A special liking for something, especially something you know you shouldn't have too much of, like sweets.
Uncontrolled liking
➕
/ˌʌnkənˈtroʊld ˈlaɪkɪŋ/
n.
An excessive or irresistible liking for a particular thing, especially one that is considered indulgent or unhealthy.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
I know I shouldn't eat too much sugar, but I have a real weakness for dark chocolate.
I am aware that I should not consume excessive sugar, but I possess a genuine uncontrolled liking for dark chocolate.
🔗 Collocations
have a weakness for – To be unable to resist or control one's desire for something
sweet weakness – A particular fondness for sugary foods or treats
personal weakness – An individual area of indulgence or lack of self-control
🔄 Synonyms
fondness (n.) – A gentle liking or affection for something.
craving (n.) – An intense desire for something, often food or drink.
temptation (n.) – The desire to do something, especially something enjoyable but unwise.
🚫 Antonyms
aversion (n.) – A strong dislike or repulsion toward something.
indifference (n.) – Lack of interest or concern.
self-control (n.) – The ability to restrain impulses and desires.
🌱 Derivatives
weak-willed (adj.) – Lacking determination or self-discipline.
weak-kneed (adj.) – Lacking courage or resolve; timid.
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