weakness of will

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "weakness of will" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone fails to act according to their own intentions or desires due to a lack of self-control or determination. Example: "Despite knowing that he should stick to his diet, his weakness of will led him to indulge in dessert."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Hence, he draws upon his account of weakness of will to help shed light on weak will's opposite, self-control.

SEP

How do we explain weakness of will?

University of California, Berkeley

Is this a deep-seated weakness of will, made worse by a "culture of dependency"?

The Guardian - Books

Is this a deep-seated weakness of will, made worse by a "culture of dependency"?

The Guardian - Books

Among the early settlers, failure "connoted weakness of will or defect of soul".

The Economist

Searle shows, for example, that contrary to the traditional philosophical view, weakness of will is very common.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

He liked their egalitarian commitment but felt they were not open to political pluralism and that they even saw political tolerance as a "weakness of will".

The Guardian - Books

Is it really so difficult to stem the flow of drugs into prison, or does it rather reflect weakness of will?

The Guardian - Opinion

Is it a matter of compulsion, a moral failure, or merely a case of what Aristotle called akrasia, or "weakness of will"?

The New York Times

If Peter's confession demonstrates his faith and insight, his denial that he knew Jesus demonstrates a weakness of will (even if momentary), capability of inaction, and a tendency toward vacillation, but not a loss of faith.

Britannica

Adam Green, stressing Aeneas's weakness of will, hasn't quite got the full measure of the role, but Katherine Manley is a very gracious Belinda, and there's an elegant, tellingly regretful Sailor from Eyjólfur Eyjólfsson.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing personal shortcomings or challenges, use "weakness of will" to precisely describe the internal struggle between intentions and actions. For instance, say 'His "weakness of will" prevented him from finishing the project,' rather than simply stating he lacked motivation.

Common error

Avoid attributing failures solely to "weakness of will" when a lack of understanding or skill is the primary issue. Ensure the individual is aware of the correct course of action before labeling their inaction as a "weakness of will". Sometimes, people simply don't know what to do, rather than lacking the willpower to do it.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "weakness of will" primarily functions as a noun phrase. It serves to identify a state or condition characterized by a deficiency in one's ability to adhere to their intentions or best judgments. Ludwig AI shows it's often used to describe a personal flaw or an explanation for failing to act as one intends.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

37%

News & Media

35%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "weakness of will" is a common noun phrase used to describe the state of failing to act according to one's intentions or better judgment. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent use across varied contexts, including science, news, and academia. While its register ranges from neutral to formal, it's a valuable term for precisely articulating a struggle between intention and action. Recognizing the distinction between "weakness of will" and a lack of knowledge is crucial to avoid misattributing failures. Consider alternatives like "lack of willpower" or "failure of self-control" to refine your message. By being mindful of these nuances, you can effectively communicate the complexities of human behavior.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lack of willpower

Highlights the deficiency in mental strength needed to control one's impulses or actions.

failure of self-control

Directly addresses the inability to regulate one's behavior or desires.

lack of resolve

Focuses on the absence of determination or firmness in decision-making.

irresoluteness

Stresses the quality of being uncertain or wavering in one's decisions or actions.

inability to resist impulses

Highlights the difficulty in controlling sudden urges or desires.

indecisiveness

Emphasizes the inability to make clear or firm decisions.

feebleness of purpose

Highlights the lack of strength or effectiveness in pursuing one's goals.

moral weakness

Specifies that the lack of will is related to ethical or moral choices.

susceptibility to temptation

Focuses on the vulnerability to enticing but potentially harmful or undesirable options.

vacillation

Describes the act of wavering or fluctuating between different opinions or actions.

FAQs

How is "weakness of will" viewed in philosophy?

In philosophy, "weakness of will", often referred to as akrasia, is a complex concept debated since ancient times. It describes the phenomenon where someone acts against their better judgment. Philosophers like Aristotle and Plato have explored its causes and implications, with contemporary thinkers continuing to analyze its rationality and psychological underpinnings.

What are some potential causes of "weakness of will"?

Several factors can contribute to "weakness of will", including strong emotions, immediate gratification overpowering long-term goals, lack of self-awareness, and cognitive biases. Psychological research suggests that stress, fatigue, and even environmental cues can weaken one's resolve.

How does "weakness of will" differ from simply changing one's mind?

"Weakness of will" involves failing to act on a prior intention or better judgment, even when one still believes it to be the right course. Changing one's mind, on the other hand, involves a conscious and deliberate reassessment of the situation, leading to a new intention. The key difference lies in the internal conflict and failure to adhere to a previously held commitment when experiencing "weakness of will".

What are some strategies for overcoming "weakness of will"?

Strategies for overcoming "weakness of will" include setting clear goals, breaking tasks into smaller steps, using commitment devices (e.g., telling others about your intentions), practicing mindfulness to increase self-awareness, and developing coping mechanisms for managing temptations. Building habits and routines can also help reduce reliance on willpower in the moment.