weakly
7 synonyms and 1 antonym for weakly, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adv — In a weak manner; without much force.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Synonyms by Meaning
1. adv
In a weak manner; without much force.
“He smiled weakly and shook her hand.”
Opposites
Etymology
This comes from Old English wāclīċe ("weakly"), equivalent to weak plus -ly (adjectival suffix); compare Old English wāclīċ ("weak; ignoble; mean") and Old Norse veikligr ("weakly; sick"), both ultimately from Proto-Germanic *waikalīkaz ("weakly; weak").
Full origin of weakly →Frequently asked questions
What does “weakly” mean?
The word “weakly” means in a weak manner; without much force. In plain terms, mostly used as an adverb meaning "without strength" (a weakly flickering light), though it can also describe a frail person.
How do you pronounce “weakly”?
“Weakly” is pronounced WEEK-lee (/ˈwiːkli/ in IPA).
How do you use “weakly” in a sentence?
Here is “weakly” used in a sentence: “He smiled weakly and shook her hand.”
What part of speech is “weakly”?
Depending on how it is used, “weakly” can be an adverb and an adjective.
Is “weakly” a common word?
“Weakly” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “weakly” have?
“Weakly” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: in a weak manner; without much force.
