weak

Main Entry:: weak
Pronunciation:: \ˈwēk\
Function:: adjective
Etymology:: Middle English weike, from Old Norse veikr; akin to Old English wīcan 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 weaker students> (2): indicative of a lack of skill or aptitude <history was my weakest 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 , impotent7: 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 -t8 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>.

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