adj.
Pronunciation: ' w ē k
Function: adjective
Etymology: Middle English weike, from Old Norse veikr; akin to Old English w ī can 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>.