weakness

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "weakness" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a lack of strength, a flaw, or a vulnerability in various contexts, such as personal traits, skills, or physical attributes. Example: "One of my greatest weaknesses is my tendency to procrastinate on important tasks."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Business

Lifestyle

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Eleven-year-old Haley Joel Osment's nomination for The Sixth Sense showed that the academy's weakness for child actors is alive and kicking, though he is far from the youngest ever.

The Guardian - Film

Gambling on Osborne's known weakness for glamour projects, Bernstein tossed one after another into the pot Most of the city's new powers were regulatory.

The Guardian

Related: Why Slack is worth $1bn: it's trying to change how we work "Our strength and our biggest weakness is that we've got this large, very vocal and very passionate user group.

The Guardian - Tech

The status of the judiciary has proven to be a key weakness of many post-communist regimes, as confirmed by many evaluations of national judicial systems, processes and components.

The Guardian

"I never negotiated from a position of weakness.

The Guardian

One features thousands of pasteable images, mainly of European leaders in humiliating photoshopped incidents or with captions pointing out their weakness and stupidity, or showing Putin making hilarious wisecracks and winning the day.

The Guardian

Direct and aggressive, they relentlessly targeted their opponents' weakness at left-back.

The Guardian - Sport

While conservatives might have objected to hitting Romney "from the left", it has also become evident that Romney has a weakness when it comes to talking about his wealth.

The Guardian - Opinion

The weakness of trade unions has been part of that story and it is hard to see what measures aimed at making strike action in the public sector more difficult will do to help.

The Guardian

We have continued to build exposure to several core holdings, focusing particularly on those that have displayed periodic share price weakness.

The Guardian - Money

And I'm living in an apartment with stairs.' 'What have been the psychological effects?' 'I didn't want to go out after it happened.' She sighs, looks down and smiles, suddenly, wrongly, embarrassed at her perceived weakness.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing vulnerabilities in a plan or strategy, be specific about the type of "weakness" you're addressing. Instead of saying 'the plan has weaknesses', specify 'the plan's weakness lies in its reliance on outdated data'.

Common error

Avoid vague statements about "weaknesses" without providing context or specific details. Saying something is a "weakness" without explaining why can leave your audience confused or unconvinced.

Linguistic Context

The word "weakness" primarily functions as a noun, referring to a state or quality of lacking physical or mental strength, or a fault or inadequacy. As Ludwig AI reports, its usage is grammatically correct and can describe vulnerabilities or deficiencies, as shown in the provided examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Business

15%

Lifestyle

5%

Less common in

Sport

5%

Science

2%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the term "weakness" functions as a versatile noun, effectively conveying a lack of strength or a point of vulnerability. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability across diverse contexts. Its frequent appearance in News & Media reflects its relevance in analyzing political, economic, and social dynamics, while its presence in Business and Lifestyle highlights its applicability to strategic planning and personal development. Recognizing the potential for overgeneralization, it's crucial to provide specific context when using "weakness" to ensure clarity and impact. Alternatives such as "vulnerability" or "frailty" offer nuanced ways to express similar concepts. Overall, "weakness" is a common and valuable term for identifying and addressing deficiencies in various domains.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

vulnerability

Focuses on the susceptibility to harm or attack, highlighting a state of being exposed or undefended.

frailty

Emphasizes physical or moral weakness, suggesting a delicate or fragile nature.

defect

Highlights a flaw or imperfection, particularly in a system or design.

failing

Indicates a shortcoming or deficiency, often in character or performance.

shortcoming

Points out a limitation or inadequacy, suggesting an area where improvement is needed.

deficiency

Emphasizes a lack or absence of something necessary or desirable.

helplessness

Focuses on the state of being unable to help oneself or others, implying a lack of agency.

impotence

Highlights a lack of power or effectiveness, suggesting an inability to produce desired results.

powerlessness

Emphasizes the lack of control or influence, indicating a state of being at the mercy of external forces.

inadequacy

Indicates a state of being insufficient or not good enough for a particular purpose.

FAQs

How can I identify my own "weaknesses"?

Self-reflection, feedback from others, and performance reviews can help you identify your "weaknesses". It's essential to be honest with yourself and focus on areas where you can improve.

What are some common "weaknesses" in a business strategy?

Common business "weaknesses" include inadequate funding, lack of skilled personnel, poor marketing, and "inefficient processes".

How can you turn a "weakness" into a strength?

By acknowledging the "weakness", understanding its root cause, and actively working to improve it. This may involve seeking training, developing new skills, or delegating tasks to others.

What's the difference between a "weakness" and a "flaw"?

While both terms refer to imperfections, a "weakness" often relates to a lack of strength or resilience, while a "flaw" suggests a more inherent defect in design or character. For example, a "weakness" in a bridge might be its material, while a "flaw" might be its design.