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as in thin
not containing very much of some important element the coffee came out too weak because I didn't use enough ground beans

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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a weak position
a vulnerable position
a susceptible position
an insecure position
a fragile position
a poor position
a weak economy
a feeble economy
a vulnerable economy
a fragile economy
an unstable economy
a frail economy
weak signals
poor signals
poor-quality signals
unreliable signals
insufficient signals
inadequate signals
a weak solution
an inconsistent solution
an inadequate solution
an ineffectual solution
a faulty solution
a deficient solution
a weak smile
a feeble smile
a pathetic smile
a faint smile
a limp smile
an unconvincing smile

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective weak contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of weak are decrepit, feeble, fragile, frail, and infirm. While all these words 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

When is it sensible to use decrepit instead of weak?

The synonyms decrepit and weak are sometimes interchangeable, but decrepit implies being worn-out or broken-down from long use or old age.

the dowager's decrepit retainers

In what contexts can feeble take the place of weak?

Although the words feeble and weak have much in common, feeble suggests extreme weakness inviting pity or contempt.

a feeble attempt to walk

When might fragile be a better fit than weak?

While in some cases nearly identical to weak, fragile suggests frailty and brittleness unable to resist rough usage.

a reclusive poet too fragile for the rigors of this world

When is frail a more appropriate choice than weak?

The meanings of frail and weak largely overlap; however, frail implies delicacy and slightness of constitution or structure.

a frail teenager unable to enjoy sports

Where would infirm be a reasonable alternative to weak?

The words infirm and weak are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, infirm suggests instability, unsoundness, and insecurity due to old age or crippling illness.

infirm residents requiring constant care

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of weak In addition to a weak critical reception, the film became mired in controversy due to political comments made by lead actress Rachel Zegler in the run-up to its release; the casting of a Latina actress as the titular character; and the use of CGI to reimagine the seven dwarfs. Hugh Cameron, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 June 2025 Global Blue's weak February European shopper data released on March 5 did indeed work as a catalyst. Ganesh Rao, CNBC, 3 June 2025 The storm will still be felt into Monday evening, though at a much weaker level, Dahl said. Adriana Pérez, Chicago Tribune, 2 June 2025 The already weak Eastern Conference will take another hit next season, with multiple contenders missing star players for the majority of the next 12 months. James L. Edwards Iii, New York Times, 31 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for weak
Recent Examples of Synonyms for weak
Adjective
  • The water pressure then causes the vehicle to rise and slide on a thin layer of water between the tires and the road, making the driver lose control.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 7 June 2025
  • Trying to please everyone Trying to please everyone becomes the fastest way to dilute your value and spread it thin.
    Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 6 June 2025
Adjective
  • At this juncture, a 10-7 regular season record isn’t unreasonable.
    Charley Walters, Twin Cities, 25 May 2025
  • Are my feelings unreasonable? – Mother-of-the-Groom Gloom Dear Mother: Your feelings are completely reasonable.
    R. Eric Thomas, Mercury News, 23 May 2025
Adjective
  • Yet the Rocket have been outscored 15-4 through three games, looking helpless against a Checkers team that has gotten red hot at exactly the right time.
    Colin Cerniglia, Charlotte Observer, 1 June 2025
  • From the dugout at San Siro, Lautaro Martinez and Federico Dimarco were helpless.
    James Horncastle, New York Times, 30 May 2025
Adjective
  • While Shawna and John were meant to be having a romantic anniversary dinner, Barb showed up unannounced and undermined Jennifer’s already feeble attempts at following the evening routine laid out for the young children.
    Sara Belcher, People.com, 9 May 2025
  • Rather than attempt a feeble defense of himself, Nick attacks June for the same willful ignorance her mother accused her of in Alaska.
    Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 6 May 2025
Adjective
  • While investors remain hopeful for a soft landing for the U.S. economy, how severe could the situation become if another recession occurs?
    Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 2 June 2025
  • The interior of my bZ Limited was comfortable, trimmed in appealing soft materials and roomy.
    Mark Phelan, USA Today, 2 June 2025
Adjective
  • Vinegar, which is really dilute acetic acid, will help the milk curdle by further denaturing the whey proteins and neutralizing negative charges at the surface of casein micelles.
    Liz Roth-Johnson, Discover Magazine, 12 Feb. 2013
  • However toxic a substance may be, the amount of exposure received by the general population is very dilute.
    George Johnson, Discover Magazine, 8 July 2013
Adjective
  • It's forged in the quiet, difficult moments when doing the right thing seems irrational.
    Victoria Vitchenco, Forbes.com, 28 May 2025
  • Rejecting his challenge in February 2024, Britain’s High Court said the decision to change Harry’s security status was neither irrational nor procedurally unfair.
    Henry Austin, NBC news, 2 May 2025
Adjective
  • Is there a difference between being stuck and feeling paralyzed?
    Amy Lindgren, Twin Cities, 17 May 2025
  • But the duo, who were also romantically involved throughout their lives, saw their careers come to an end when Roy was attacked on stage by one of their live tigers, which damaged his spine and induced a stroke that left him partially paralyzed.
    Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 12 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Weak.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/weak. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.

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