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Definition of weaknext
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as in thin
not containing very much of some important element the coffee came out too weak because I didn't use enough ground beans

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective weak contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of weak are decrepit, feeble, fragile, frail, and infirm. While all these words mean "not strong enough to endure strain, pressure, or strenuous effort," weak applies to deficiency or inferiority in strength or power of any sort.

felt weak after the surgery

When is it sensible to use decrepit instead of weak?

The synonyms decrepit and weak are sometimes interchangeable, but decrepit implies being worn-out or broken-down from long use or old age.

the dowager's decrepit retainers

In what contexts can feeble take the place of weak?

Although the words feeble and weak have much in common, feeble suggests extreme weakness inviting pity or contempt.

a feeble attempt to walk

When might fragile be a better fit than weak?

While in some cases nearly identical to weak, fragile suggests frailty and brittleness unable to resist rough usage.

a reclusive poet too fragile for the rigors of this world

When is frail a more appropriate choice than weak?

The meanings of frail and weak largely overlap; however, frail implies delicacy and slightness of constitution or structure.

a frail teenager unable to enjoy sports

Where would infirm be a reasonable alternative to weak?

The words infirm and weak are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, infirm suggests instability, unsoundness, and insecurity due to old age or crippling illness.

infirm residents requiring constant care

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of weak There’s a theoretical possibility that with as many as a dozen Democrats in the field, the two Republicans could finish first and second in the June 2 primary and face each other for the governorship in November, despite the GOP’s very weak standing among voters. Dan Walters, Mercury News, 6 Jan. 2026 Illinois should follow that lead rather than masking weak outcomes with lower benchmarks. Bruce Rauner, Chicago Tribune, 6 Jan. 2026 If the United Van Line numbers are right, the state can’t expect domestic migration, already weak, to fill in the gap. Aldo Svaldi, Denver Post, 6 Jan. 2026 After the surgery, Lori was weak but slowly got better. Wendy Grossman Kantor, PEOPLE, 6 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for weak
Recent Examples of Synonyms for weak
Adjective
  • Lord & Taylor shut all its stores in 2019 after HBC sold the weakened retailer, and Hudson’s Bay in Canada liquidated last year, ending its 355-year run.
    Phil Wahba, Fortune, 8 Jan. 2026
  • Salmonella can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in infants, young children, older people, pregnant persons, and those with weakened immune systems.
    Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 5 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • The hardware is built for intimacy, pairing a soft exterior with full-body sensors that react to a user’s touch on its head or neck.
    Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 7 Jan. 2026
  • So uncompromising as to turn hard heads into soft behinds.
    Marcus Thompson II, New York Times, 7 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • The water pressure then causes the vehicle to rise and slide on a thin layer of water between the tires and the road, making the driver lose control.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 10 Jan. 2026
  • Yimobra Memory Foam Bath Mat, $9 with Prime The bath mat is made from memory foam that feels plush underfoot and cushions each step, unlike thin cotton mats.
    Maggie Horton, PEOPLE, 10 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Importantly, the president already has full legal authority to impose tariffs when other nations’ behavior places an unreasonable burden on our economy, including through environmental negligence.
    Chip Lamarca, Sun Sentinel, 6 Jan. 2026
  • The logic was that Spirit had projected the league would grow at a rate that the league itself found unreasonable, and so would not be able to field a team while also paying Rodman.
    Louisa Thomas, New Yorker, 4 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Americans have gotten used to the idea that our government is helpless to get anything done.
    Philip K. Howard, The Atlantic, 10 Jan. 2026
  • Neighbors are feeling helpless, especially as tax season gets underway.
    Carmela Karcher, CBS News, 8 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • The reality is that although Venezuela has vast reserves—about 17% of the entire planet’s oil is under Venezuelan soil—its production is feeble.
    Jim Edwards, Fortune, 5 Jan. 2026
  • The hottest quarterback right now is Jacksonville’s Trevor Lawrence, who had his career-best day last week against the feeble Jets.
    Kevin Cusick, Twin Cities, 21 Dec. 2025
Adjective
  • With elderly patients, particularly those who are cognitively impaired and frail, that can be challenging.
    Neil Gaffin, STAT, 29 Dec. 2025
  • However, the bacteria can cause serious, potentially fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems.
    Jenna Anderson, Health, 23 Dec. 2025
Adjective
  • Second, a dilute hydrochloric acid is used to dissolve the remaining lithium and the transition metals—nickel, cobalt, and manganese.
    Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 12 Oct. 2025
  • For example, Wilson’s team is exploring whether dilute acids speed up weathering.
    Robert F. Service, Science | AAAS, 3 Sep. 2020

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Cite this Entry

“Weak.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/weak. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on weak

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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