the condition of being physically weak or lacking strength
After climbing the mountain, Maya felt a sudden weakness in her legs and had to sit.
The illness left the old man with a lingering weakness that made walking difficult.
✦ From Middle English weyknesse, formed by adding -ness to weak.
a fault, disadvantage, or weak point in a person, plan, or thing
The team’s defense had a clear weakness that the opponents exploited.
My biggest weakness is that I find it hard to say no to extra work.
✦ Derived from weak + -ness, meaning a point where strength is lacking.
a strong liking or soft spot for something that is hard to resist
Grandpa has a weakness for chocolate chip cookies and eats them every evening.
Jasmine’s weakness is stray animals; she stops to help every kitten she sees.
✦ Metaphorical extension of weakness from lacking resistance to being unable to resist a desire.
a period or condition in which prices, demand, or performance are low or falling, especially in financial markets
There was noticeable weakness in the stock market after the disappointing earnings report.
Analysts predict further weakness in oil prices over the winter.
✦ Extension of weakness to describe lack of strength in economic activity, first recorded in the late 19th century.
