Weak means lacking strength, power, or force. When you're recovering from the flu, your muscles might feel weak and tired, making it hard to run or even climb stairs. A weak bridge might not support much weight. A weak argument in a debate falls apart quickly because it lacks good evidence or logical reasoning.

The word describes physical strength, but also the strength of ideas, materials, or positions. A weak excuse is one nobody believes. Weak tea has barely any flavor because it didn't steep long enough. A weak economy struggles and doesn't grow. When a teacher says your essay has a weak conclusion, she means it doesn't powerfully wrap up your ideas.

Weakness can be temporary or permanent. Athletes feel weak after an exhausting race, but they recover. Some materials are simply weak by nature: tissue paper tears easily, while steel is strong.

Everyone experiences weakness at different times and in different ways. Recognizing where you're weak can help you improve. A student weak in math can practice and get stronger. A basketball player weak at free throws can spend extra time at the line. Understanding your weaknesses honestly gives you the power to address them.