A weakness is something you're not good at, or a part of yourself that makes certain things harder for you. Everyone has weaknesses. You might be great at math but struggle with spelling. Your friend might excel at soccer but find it difficult to speak in front of the class. A weakness isn't a permanent flaw: it's simply an area where you're less strong than in other areas.

In stories, heroes often have a specific vulnerability that enemies can exploit. Superman's weakness is kryptonite, a substance that drains his powers. Achilles, the ancient Greek warrior, was invulnerable everywhere except his heel. These story weaknesses remind us that even the mightiest characters have limits.

Physical weakness means lacking strength or energy. After running a long race, you might feel weakness in your legs. Someone recovering from illness might experience temporary weakness.

The word can also describe a special fondness for something: “I have a weakness for chocolate chip cookies” means you find them hard to resist. This playful usage suggests that your love of something overpowers your self-control.

Understanding your weaknesses helps you improve. A basketball player who knows her weakness is shooting from long range can practice those shots. A student aware that his weakness is organization can develop better study habits. Recognizing weaknesses isn't discouraging: it's the first step toward getting better.