weak
/wiːk/
The word describes a deficiency in power, intensity, or stability. It is the direct opposite of "strong," but its application shifts depending on whether it refers to physical matter, human character, or abstract quality. When applied to people, it can be purely descriptive (physical frailty due to illness) or judgmental (a lack of willpower or moral fortitude). In a social or political context, it suggests an inability to command respect or enforce authority. In technical or sensory contexts—such as signals, tea, or colors—it denotes a lack of concentration or potency. It implies something is "diluted" or barely perceptible rather than completely absent.
💬Casual Conversation
Just sent you a link for that internship. It's a total game changer.
Dad, the job description is so weak. I'm passing on this one.
Meanings
Collocations & Compounds
weak point
A specific area where someone or something is not strong or is vulnerable.
Everyone has a weak point.
weak tea
Tea that has been brewed for too short a time or with too little tea, resulting in a pale color and weak flavor.
This is weak tea; I need another bag.
weak signal
A radio or electronic signal that is not strong enough for reliable reception or transmission.
The weak signal made the call difficult.
weak economy
An economy that is not growing or is shrinking, characterized by low demand and high unemployment.
The country is suffering from a weak economy.
weak link
A person or thing that is the least strong or effective part of a group, plan, or system.
The weakest link must be reinforced.
Phrasal Verbs
weaken out
To become weak or lose strength, especially in a prolonged or difficult situation.
The team started to weaken out in the second half.
Idioms & Sayings
weak in the knees
To feel suddenly weak and unsteady, usually because of attraction or fear.
Seeing him made my knees go weak.
weak and weary
Extremely tired and lacking energy or strength.
After the long journey, they were weak and weary.
a weak argument
A line of reasoning that is not convincing or logical.
That's a weak argument; it doesn't hold up.
Etymology
The word 'weak' traces its origins back to Proto-Germanic wēkaz, meaning 'yielding, submissive.' This root evolved into Old English 'wāc,' signifying 'not strong, feeble, soft, pliant.' The word's journey continued through Middle English as 'wek' or 'weke.' Its Indo-European root is believed to be wegh-, related to movement, but in a sense of 'giving way' or 'yielding.' This connection highlights an early sense of lacking resistance, which then broadened to encompass physical and metaphorical lack of strength. The word shares cognates with words in other Germanic languages, such as German 'weich' (soft) and Dutch 'week' (soft, weak), all stemming from the same ancient root indicating a lack of firmness or resistance.