weak

A person or a thing that does not have strength or power is weak. This word is the opposite of the word "strong."

We often use "weak" to describe people:

• She became weak after a long illness.
• A weak, old man was brought to the hospital.
• Babies are weak and powerless soon after they are born.
• Will was tired of looking skinny and weak, so he began to lift weights.
• Three days of the flu left me feeling weak.

The word "weak" also describes animals and things:

• A weak storm moved through our area.
• A weak foundation caused the house to collapse.
• The dogs legs were so weak it couldn’t stand.
• Her excuse for being late was kind of weak. (It was a bad excuse)
• Sales figures for this last quarter have been weak.

To make this word into a verb, add an "en" ending:

• She was weakened by her illness.
• Smoking weakens your immune system.
• Hurricanes weaken once they hit land.
• Avoiding exercise will weaken your muscles.

Add "ling" to the end of "weak" to form the noun, "weakling." (weakling: a person who is weak)

• Randy is too much of a weakling to be a threat to anyone.

Randy needs to work out.

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This page was first published on January 23, 2014.