transcription, транскрипция: [ ˈwēk ]
adjective
Etymology: Middle English weike, from Old Norse veikr; akin to Old English wīcan to yield, Greek eikein to give way, Sanskrit vijate he speeds, flees
Date: 14th century
1. : lacking strength: as
a. : deficient in physical vigor : feeble , debilitated
b. : not able to sustain or exert much weight, pressure, or strain
c. : not able to resist external force or withstand attack
d. : easily upset or nauseated
a weak stomach
2.
a. : mentally or intellectually deficient
b. : not firmly decided : vacillating
c. : resulting from or indicating lack of judgment or discernment
d. : not able to withstand temptation or persuasion
the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak
3. : not factually grounded or logically presented
a weak argument
4.
a. : not able to function properly
weak eyes
b.
(1) : lacking skill or proficiency
tutoring for weak er students
(2) : indicative of a lack of skill or aptitude
history was my weak est subject
c. : wanting in vigor of expression or effect
a weak translation of the poem
5.
a. : deficient in the usual or required ingredients : dilute
weak coffee
b. : lacking normal intensity or potency
a weak radio signal
a weak strain of virus
6.
a. : not having or exerting authority or political power
weak government
b. : ineffective , impotent
7. : of, relating to, or constituting a verb or verb conjugation that in English forms the past tense and past participle by adding the suffix -ed or -d or -t
8.
a. : bearing the minimal degree of stress occurring in the language
a weak syllable
b. : having little or no stress and obscured vowel sound
'd in he'd is the weak form of would
9. : tending toward a lower price or value
a weak market
a weak dollar
10. : ionizing only slightly in solution
weak acids and bases
• weak·ly adverb
Synonyms:
weak , feeble , frail , fragile , infirm , decrepit 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
feeble suggests extreme weakness inviting pity or contempt
a feeble attempt to walk
frail implies delicacy and slightness of constitution or structure
a frail teenager unable to enjoy sports
fragile suggests frailty and brittleness unable to resist rough usage
a reclusive poet too fragile for the rigors of this world
infirm suggests instability, unsoundness, and insecurity due to old age or crippling illness
infirm residents requiring constant care
decrepit implies being worn-out or broken-down from long use or old age
the dowager's decrepit retainers