What is weak? Pronunciation and usage in English

weak means . Learn how to pronounce and use weak through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of weak

weakadjective

/wiːk/
Definition & pronunciation of weak

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "weak" in English. Here's a breakdown:

The most common and accepted pronunciation is:

  • ˈwiːk (pronounced like "week")

Let's break that down further:

  • ˈwiː - This is the stressed syllable. It sounds like "wee" (like a small puppy) - a short, quick "ee" sound.
  • k - This is a simple, hard "k" sound, as in "kite."

Here's a little more detail:

  • Emphasis: The stress is very important. Putting the emphasis on the first syllable ("wee") is what makes it sound like "weak" and not "wike."

You can listen to it online to help you:

  • Google: Just type "how to pronounce weak" into Google and it will usually have a built-in audio player.
  • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/weak/ – This website lets you hear the word pronounced by native speakers from different regions.

Do you want me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation?
  • Give you some example sentences using the word?

Usage and examples with the word weak in English

Let's break down how to use the word "weak" in English. It's a surprisingly versatile word with several different meanings and applications. Here's a detailed breakdown, categorized for clarity:

1. Physical Weakness:

  • Definition: Lacking physical strength or power.
  • Examples:
    • "He felt weak after the long hike." (Physically tired)
    • "The old man struggled to lift the heavy box – he's getting quite weak." (Loss of muscle)
    • "The medicine made me feel weak and dizzy." (Temporary weakness)
    • "She was weak from illness." (General physical vulnerability)

2. Mental or Emotional Weakness (Often Negative Connotation):

  • Definition: Lacking courage, determination, resolve, or resilience. This is often the most common and potentially loaded usage.
  • Examples:
    • "He was too weak to stand up to his boss." (Lacking assertiveness)
    • "She felt weak after hearing the bad news." (Feeling deflated or emotionally vulnerable)
    • "Don't be so weak! You need to be strong." (Lacking courage)
    • "His argument was weak and easily refuted." (Lacking persuasive power)
  • Caution: Using "weak" to describe someone's character can be judgmental. It’s often better to describe the specific behavior you’re observing instead of labeling the person as "weak." For example, instead of saying "He’s a weak person," you could say "He didn't stand up for himself when he was treated unfairly."

3. Lack of Strength (General):

  • Definition: Not strong; vulnerable; susceptible. This can be about physical or abstract things.
  • Examples:
    • "The bridge was weak and needed repairs." (Physically vulnerable)
    • "The country’s economy is weak." (Not strong/stable)
    • "His defenses were weak, and the attacker easily broke through." (Not strong barriers)
    • "The coffee was weak – I needed more." (Not strong flavor)

4. Weakness as a Verb:

  • Definition: To lose strength; to become feeble.
  • Examples:
    • "The metal weakened over time due to corrosion."
    • “The old tree began to weaken in the storm.”
    • "My knees weaken when I stand for too long."

5. Weaknesses (Plural - Identifying Flaws):

  • Definition: A lacking quality; a fault. Often used in a strategic or analytical context.
  • Examples:
    • "One of the project's weaknesses is the lack of sufficient testing."
    • "His weakness is his tendency to procrastinate."
    • "The company's biggest weakness is its outdated technology."

Here’s a table summarizing the different uses:

Category Definition Example
Physical Lacking physical strength “He felt weak after the marathon.”
Emotional/Mental Lacking courage, determination “She was weak in the face of adversity.”
General Strength Not strong; vulnerable “The dam was weak and prone to failure.”
Weakening (Verb) To lose strength “The wood is weakening with age.”
Weaknesses (Plural) A lacking quality, a fault “A weakness of the plan is its cost.”

Tips for Using "Weak" Effectively:

  • Be Specific: Instead of saying someone is "weak," describe what they are lacking in.
  • Consider Tone: “Weak” can be perceived negatively. Be mindful of how it might be interpreted.
  • Use Synonyms: Depending on the context, consider other words like: frail, feeble, vulnerable, inadequate, deficient, lacking, unsteady.

To help me give you even more tailored advice, could you tell me:

  • What context are you thinking about using "weak" in? (e.g., describing a person’s character, a building, a strategy, a feeling?)

Synonyms for the word weak

Idioms of the word weak

the spirit is willing (but the flesh is weak)
(humorous, saying)you intend to do good things but you are too lazy, weak or busy to actually do them
    weak at the knees
    (informal)hardly able to stand because of emotion, fear, illness, etc.
    • His sudden smile made her go weak at the knees.
    the weak link (in the chain)
    the point at which a system or an organization is most likely to fail
    • She went straight for the one weak link in the chain of his argument.

    Practice with vocabulary weak

    Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

    1. The company's Q3 earnings report highlighted a surprisingly ______ sales performance in the European market.
    2. Although the antique vase appeared sturdy, it was actually quite ______ and could easily break if mishandled.
    3. Critics found the senator's argument on tax reform to be exceptionally ______, lacking substantial data to support his claims.
    4. The team's budget was ______ to cover all necessary expenses for the upcoming project, forcing them to seek additional funding.

    Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer (select all that apply)

    1. Which words describe a logical argument that is easily refuted? a) robust b) compelling c) flawed d) weak

    2. After a prolonged illness, a person might feel ______. a) energetic b) vigorous c) feeble d) weak

    3. The security system was particularly ______ to phishing attacks due to outdated software. a) impervious b) resilient c) vulnerable d) susceptible

    4. Which words describe a signal that is barely strong enough to be received? a) strong b) faint c) clear d) weak

    5. The soil in this region is ______ in essential minerals, leading to poor crop yields. a) abundant b) rich c) deficient d) fertile

    Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

    1. The team's defense was not very strong during the final minutes of the match. (Rewrite using "weak" or a related word form.)

    2. After months of disuse, the old wooden beams supporting the roof were in danger of breaking. (Rewrite using "weak" or a related word form.)

    3. His inability to manage time effectively is an aspect he needs to improve for career progression. (Rewrite using a suitable replacement for "weak" or "weakness".)

    Answer:

    Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

    1. weak
    2. fragile
    3. weak
    4. insufficient

    Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

    1. c) flawed, d) weak
    2. c) feeble, d) weak
    3. c) vulnerable, d) susceptible
    4. b) faint, d) weak
    5. c) deficient

    Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

    1. The team's defense was weak during the final minutes of the match. Alternatively: The team's weakness in defense was apparent during the final minutes of the match.
    2. After months of disuse, the old wooden beams supporting the roof were weakened and in danger of breaking. Alternatively: After months of disuse, the old wooden beams supporting the roof were weak and in danger of breaking.
    3. His shortcoming in time management is an aspect he needs to improve for career progression. Alternatively: His area for improvement in time management is an aspect he needs to improve for career progression.

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