weak

Something that is weak does not have much strength, power, or effect. A weak link in a chain will break first, and a weak argument will not convince many people. But "weak" is not only about physical strength. You might feel weak from hunger, or someone might notice a weak spot in another person's plan. Think of a delicate flower: beautiful, but easily damaged. Sometimes this is temporary, like feeling weak after a bad cold. Other times it is part of the thing itself, like a weak signal on your phone.

The word "weak" describes a lack of physical or mental strength, power, or effectiveness. It can apply to many different things, from objects you can touch to ideas and systems. A weak structure might collapse under a heavy load, while a weak economy struggles to keep growing.

Beyond physical strength, "weak" also refers to being easy to harm, influence, or defeat. You might feel weak from exhaustion after running a marathon, or someone might exploit a weak point in your character. A weak excuse is not believable, and a weak defense will not hold up in court.

The idea can also be about intensity or concentration. Weak tea is watery and lacks flavor, while a weak signal on your phone makes it hard to hear the person on the other end. In a medical context, "weak" can describe a faint pulse or a "weak constitution," meaning a person becomes ill easily.

Interestingly, being "weak" is not always a permanent negative. Sometimes noticing a weak area in your knowledge is the first step toward improvement. Seeing a weak spot in your skills can help you grow.

So, whether describing physical frailty, emotional vulnerability, a lack of power, or diminished intensity, "weak" signifies a deficiency in strength, resistance, or effectiveness.