weak
46 synonyms and 35 antonyms for weak, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adj — Lacking physical strength or power.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use weak
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old Norse veikr ("weak, pliant"), related to Old English wāc — the same root that gives us "week" and "wick."
Full origin of weak →Frequently asked questions
What does “weak” mean?
The word “weak” means lacking physical strength or power. In plain terms, lacking strength, force, or effectiveness — whether that's a muscle, an argument, a drink, or someone's resolve.
How do you pronounce “weak”?
“Weak” is pronounced week (/wi(ː)k/ in IPA).
How do you use “weak” in a sentence?
Here is “weak” used in a sentence: “His legs were still weak after the long illness.”
What is another word for “weak”?
Words with a similar meaning to “weak” include anemic, breakable, broken-down, debilitated, damaged and decrepit.
What is the opposite of “weak”?
The opposite of “weak” — its antonyms — are healthy, powerful, robust, strong and invincible.
What part of speech is “weak”?
“Weak” is an adjective.
Where does the word “weak” come from?
The word “weak” comes from Old English. From Old Norse veikr ("weak, pliant"), related to Old English wāc — the same root that gives us "week" and "wick.".
Is “weak” a common word?
“Weak” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
What is the difference between 'weak' and 'week'?
They sound alike but are unrelated. 'Weak' is an adjective meaning lacking strength or power, as in a weak grip or a weak signal. 'Week' is a noun meaning a period of seven days. A simple check: if you mean a length of time, you always want 'week'.
What is the opposite of 'weak'?
The direct opposite is 'strong'. Depending on context, 'powerful', 'sturdy', 'robust', or 'forceful' also work — a strong grip, a powerful engine, a robust economy. When 'weak' describes something faint, like a signal or a flavour, its opposite leans toward 'strong' or 'intense'.
Can 'weak' describe things other than the body?
Yes. Although it literally means lacking physical strength, 'weak' stretches widely: a weak argument lacks logic, a weak signal is faint, weak coffee is dilute, a weak economy is struggling, and a weak character lacks resolve. The core idea of insufficient strength or force carries across them all.
Is 'weak' a negative word?
Usually, yes. Describing a person, plan, or performance as weak suggests a shortcoming and tends to sound critical. It isn't always harsh, though — a weak puzzle solution or weak tea are neutral, factual descriptions rather than insults. Tone depends heavily on the context in which it is used.