Weak vs. Strong — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Urooj Arif — Updated on March 9, 2024
"Weak" implies a lack of strength or durability, often suggesting vulnerability, whereas "strong" denotes robustness and the ability to withstand force or pressure.
Difference Between Weak and Strong
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
"Weak" characterizes something with limited strength, durability, or capacity, often suggesting a vulnerability or susceptibility to damage or failure. On the other hand, "strong" refers to a high level of strength, endurance, or capability, indicating an object, person, or entity's robustness and resilience.
While "weak" often carries a negative connotation, implying a deficiency or shortfall in power, strength, or effectiveness, "strong" conveys a positive image of power, competence, and reliability, such as a "strong performance" in a task or challenge.
In terms of physical health or condition, "weak" can describe a person with low physical strength or a compromised health state, like recovering from an illness. Meanwhile, "strong" might refer to someone in good physical shape, capable of performing demanding physical activities.
"Weak" and "strong" can extend to abstract qualities, such as arguments, passwords, or signals. A "weak argument" lacks convincing evidence or logic, whereas a "strong password" is secure and resistant to hacking.
Comparison Chart
Definition
Lacking strength or durability
Possessing strength or durability
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Connotation
Often negative, suggesting vulnerability
Generally positive, indicating resilience
Application
Can refer to physical, structural, or abstract qualities
Applies to physical, structural, and abstract qualities
Examples
"Weak signal" or "weak health"
"Strong wind" or "strong leadership"
Characteristic Feature
Susceptibility to failure or damage
Capability to withstand stress or challenges
Compare with Definitions
Weak
Signifying a lack of physical strength or durability.
The old bridge was too weak to support heavy vehicles.
Strong
Denoting a high level of physical strength or durability.
The new alloy is strong enough to withstand high temperatures.
Weak
Indicates susceptibility to damage or influence.
His immune system was weak after the illness.
Strong
Suggests effectiveness or competence.
The team's strong defense secured their victory.
Weak
Applies to non-physical concepts like arguments.
Her argument was weak due to lack of evidence.
Strong
Can describe robustness in non-physical contexts.
The password must be strong to prevent unauthorized access.
Weak
Describes poor execution or effectiveness.
He gave a weak performance during the competition.
Strong
Reflects the ability to withstand or recover from difficulties.
Her strong will helped her overcome the challenges.
Weak
Refers to a low level of some quantity or force.
The weak light from the candle barely lit the room.
Strong
Indicates a high degree of force, effect, or sensation.
The strong flavor of the coffee was invigorating.
Weak
Lacking the power to perform physically demanding tasks; having little physical strength or energy
She was recovering from flu, and was very weak
Strong
Having the power to move heavy weights or perform other physically demanding tasks
She cut through the water with her strong arms
Weak
Liable to break or give way under pressure; easily damaged
The salamander's tail may be broken off at a weak spot near the base
Strong
Able to withstand force, pressure, or wear
Cotton is strong, hard-wearing, and easy to handle
Weak
Lacking intensity or brightness
A weak light from a single street lamp
Strong
Very intense
A strong smell
Weak
Denoting a class of verbs in Germanic languages that form the past tense and past participle by addition of a suffix (in English, typically -ed).
Strong
Used after a number to indicate the size of a group
A hostile crowd several thousands strong
Weak
Relating to or denoting the weakest of the known kinds of force between particles, which acts only at distances less than about 10⁻¹⁵ cm, is very much weaker than the electromagnetic and the strong interactions, and conserves neither strangeness, parity, nor isospin.
Strong
Denoting a class of verbs in Germanic languages that form the past tense and past participle by a change of vowel within the stem rather than by addition of a suffix (e.g. swim, swam, swum).
Weak
Lacking physical strength, energy, or vigor; feeble.
Strong
Relating to or denoting the strongest of the known kinds of force between particles, which acts between nucleons and other hadrons when closer than about 10⁻¹³ cm (so binding protons in a nucleus despite the repulsion due to their charge), and which conserves strangeness, parity, and isospin.
Weak
Likely to fail under pressure, stress, or strain; lacking resistance
A weak link in a chain.
Strong
Physically powerful; capable of exerting great physical force.
Weak
Lacking firmness of character or strength of will
A weak person unable to cope with adversity.
Strong
Marked by great physical power
A strong blow to the head.
Weak
Lacking intensity or strength; faint
Weak light.
A weak voice.
Strong
In good or sound health; robust
A strong constitution.
A strong heart.
Weak
Lacking the proper strength or amount of ingredients
Weak coffee.
Strong
Economically or financially sound or thriving
A strong economy.
Weak
Having low prices or few transactions
A weak market for oil stocks.
Strong
Having force of character, will, morality, or intelligence
A strong personality.
Weak
Lacking the ability to function normally or fully
A weak heart.
Strong
Having or showing ability or achievement in a specified field
Students who are strong in chemistry.
Weak
Unable to digest food easily; readily nauseated
A weak stomach.
Strong
Capable of the effective exercise of authority
A strong leader.
Weak
Lacking or resulting from a lack of intelligence
A weak mind.
Weak reasoning.
Strong
Capable of withstanding force or wear; solid, tough, or firm
A strong building.
A strong fabric.
Weak
Lacking aptitude or skill
A weak student.
Weak in math.
Strong
Having great binding strength
A strong adhesive.
Weak
Lacking persuasiveness; unconvincing
A weak argument.
Strong
Not easily captured or defeated
A strong flank.
A strong defense.
Weak
Lacking authority or the power to govern
A weak ruler.
Strong
Not easily upset; resistant to harmful or unpleasant influences
Strong nerves.
A strong stomach.
Weak
Of, relating to, or being those verbs in Germanic languages that form a past tense and past participle by means of a dental suffix, as start, started; have, had; bring, brought.
Strong
Having force or rapidity of motion
A strong current.
Weak
Of, relating to, or being the inflection of nouns or adjectives in Germanic languages with a declensional suffix that historically contained an n.
Strong
Persuasive, effective, and cogent
A strong argument.
Weak
Unstressed or unaccented in pronunciation or poetic meter. Used of a word or syllable.
Strong
Forceful and pointed; emphatic
A strong statement.
Weak
Designating a verse ending in which the metrical stress falls on a word or syllable that is unstressed in normal speech, such as a preposition.
Strong
Forthright and explicit, often offensively so
Strong language.
Weak
Lacking in force (usually strength) or ability.
The child was too weak to move the boulder.
They easily guessed his weak computer password.
Strong
Extreme; drastic
Had to resort to strong measures.
Weak
Unable to sustain a great weight, pressure, or strain.
A weak timber; a weak rope
Strong
Having force of conviction or feeling; uncompromising
Strong faith.
A strong supporter.
Weak
Unable to withstand temptation, urgency, persuasion, etc.; easily impressed, moved, or overcome; accessible; vulnerable.
Weak resolutions; weak virtue
Strong
Intense in degree or quality
A strong emotion.
Strong motivation.
Weak
Dilute, lacking in taste or potency.
We were served stale bread and weak tea.
Strong
Having an intense or offensive effect on the senses
Strong light.
Strong vinegar.
Strong cologne.
Weak
(grammar) Displaying a particular kind of inflection, including:
Strong
Clear and loud
A strong voice.
Weak
Regular in inflection, lacking vowel changes and having a past tense with -d- or -t-.
Strong
Readily noticeable; remarkable
A strong resemblance.
A strong contrast.
Weak
Showing less distinct grammatical endings.
Strong
Readily detected or received
A strong radio signal.
Weak
Definite in meaning, often used with a definite article or similar word.
Strong
Having a high concentration of an essential or active ingredient
Mixed a strong solution of bleach and water.
Weak
(chemistry) That does not ionize completely into anions and cations in a solution.
A weak acid;
A weak base
Strong
Containing a considerable percentage of alcohol
Strong punch.
Weak
(physics) One of the four fundamental forces associated with nuclear decay.
Strong
Of or relating to a color having a high degree of saturation.
Weak
(slang) Bad or uncool.
This place is weak.
Strong
Having a specified number of units or members
A military force 100,000 strong.
Weak
Having a narrow range of logical consequences; narrowly applicable. (Often contrasted with a strong statement which implies it.)
Strong
Marked by steady or rising prices
A strong market.
Weak
Resulting from, or indicating, lack of judgment, discernment, or firmness; unwise; hence, foolish.
Strong
Of or relating to those verbs in Germanic languages that form their past tense by a change in stem vowel, and their past participles by a change in stem vowel and sometimes by adding the suffix -(e)n, as sing, sang, sung or tear, tore, torn.
Weak
Not having power to convince; not supported by force of reason or truth; unsustained.
The prosecution advanced a weak case.
Strong
Of or relating to the inflection of nouns or adjectives in Germanic languages with endings that historically did not contain a suffix with an n.
Weak
Lacking in vigour or expression.
A weak sentence; a weak style
Strong
Stressed or accented in pronunciation or poetic meter. Used of a word or syllable.
Weak
Not prevalent or effective, or not felt to be prevalent; not potent; feeble.
Strong
In a strong, powerful, or vigorous manner; forcefully
A salesperson who comes on too strong.
Weak
(stock exchange) Tending towards lower prices.
A weak market; wheat is weak at present
Strong
Capable of producing great physical force.
A big strong man; Jake was tall and strong
Weak
(photography) Lacking contrast.
A weak negative
Strong
Capable of withstanding great physical force.
A strong foundation; good strong shoes
Weak
Wanting physical strength.
Strong
(of water, wind, etc.) Having a lot of power.
The man was nearly drowned after a strong undercurrent swept him out to sea.
Weak
Deficient in strength of body; feeble; infirm; sickly; debilitated; enfeebled; exhausted.
A poor, infirm, weak, and despised old man.
Weak with hunger, mad with love.
Strong
Determined; unyielding.
He is strong in the face of adversity.
Weak
Not possessing or manifesting intellectual, logical, moral, or political strength, vigor, etc.
Strong
Highly stimulating to the senses.
A strong light; a strong taste
Weak
Not able to sustain a great weight, pressure, or strain; as, a weak timber; a weak rope.
Strong
Having an offensive or intense odor or flavor.
A strong smell
Weak
Feeble of mind; wanting discernment; lacking vigor; spiritless; as, a weak king or magistrate.
To think every thing disputable is a proof of a weak mind and captious temper.
Origen was never weak enough to imagine that there were two Gods.
Strong
Having a high concentration of an essential or active ingredient.
A strong cup of coffee; a strong medicine
Weak
Pertaining to, or designating, a verb which forms its preterit (imperfect) and past participle by adding to the present the suffix -ed, -d, or the variant form -t; as in the verbs abash, abashed; abate, abated; deny, denied; feel, felt. See Strong, 19 (a).
Strong
(specifically) Having a high alcoholic content.
A strong drink
She gets up, and pours herself a strong one. - Eagles, Lying Eyes
Weak
Not firmly united or adhesive; easily broken or separated into pieces; not compact; as, a weak ship.
Strong
(grammar) Inflecting in a different manner than the one called weak, such as Germanic verbs which change vowels.
A strong verb
Weak
Resulting from, or indicating, lack of judgment, discernment, or firmness; unwise; hence, foolish.
If evil thence ensue,She first his weak indulgence will accuse.
Strong
(chemistry) That completely ionizes into anions and cations in a solution.
A strong acid;
A strong base
Weak
Tending toward a lower price or lower prices; as, wheat is weak; a weak market.
Strong
(military) Not easily subdued or taken.
A strong position
Weak
Not stiff; pliant; frail; soft; as, the weak stalk of a plant.
Strong
Having wealth or resources.
A strong economy
Weak
Not having full confidence or conviction; not decided or confirmed; vacillating; wavering.
Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations.
Strong
Impressive, good.
You're working with troubled youth in your off time? That’s strong!
Weak
Lacking in good cards; deficient as to number or strength; as, a hand weak in trumps.
Strong
Having a specified number of people or units.
The enemy's army force was five thousand strong.
Weak
Not able to resist external force or onset; easily subdued or overcome; as, a weak barrier; as, a weak fortress.
Strong
(of a disease or symptom) Severe; very bad or intense.
Weak
Not able to withstand temptation, urgency, persuasion, etc.; easily impressed, moved, or overcome; accessible; vulnerable; as, weak resolutions; weak virtue.
Guard thy heartOn this weak side, where most our nature fails.
Strong
Having a wide range of logical consequences; widely applicable. (Often contrasted with a weak statement which it implies.)
Weak
Lacking contrast; as, a weak negative.
Strong
(of an argument) Convincing.
Weak
Lacking force of utterance or sound; not sonorous; low; small; feeble; faint.
A voice not soft, weak, piping, and womanish.
Strong
In a strong manner.
Weak
Wanting in power to influence or bind; as, weak ties; a weak sense of honor of duty.
Strong
Having active physical power, or great physical power to act; having a power of exerting great bodily force; vigorous.
That our oxen may be strong to labor.
Orses the strong to greater strength must yield.
Weak
Not thoroughly or abundantly impregnated with the usual or required ingredients, or with stimulating and nourishing substances; of less than the usual strength; as, weak tea, broth, or liquor; a weak decoction or solution; a weak dose of medicine.
Strong
Having passive physical power; having ability to bear or endure; firm; hale; sound; robust; as, a strong constitution; strong health.
Weak
Not having power to convince; not supported by force of reason or truth; unsustained; as, a weak argument or case.
A case so weak . . . hath much persisted in.
Strong
Solid; tough; not easily broken or injured; able to withstand violence; able to sustain attacks; not easily subdued or taken; as, a strong beam; a strong rock; a strong fortress or town.
Weak
Lacking ability for an appropriate function or office; as, weak eyes; a weak stomach; a weak magistrate; a weak regiment, or army.
Strong
Having great military or naval force; powerful; as, a strong army or fleet; a nation strong at sea.
Weak
Wanting in point or vigor of expression; as, a weak sentence; a weak style.
Strong
Having great wealth, means, or resources; as, a strong house, or company of merchants.
Weak
Not prevalent or effective, or not felt to be prevalent; not potent; feeble.
Strong
Reaching a certain degree or limit in respect to strength or numbers; as, an army ten thousand strong.
Weak
Lacking in elements of political strength; not wielding or having authority or energy; deficient in the resources that are essential to a ruler or nation; as, a weak monarch; a weak government or state.
I must make fair weather yet awhile,Till Henry be more weak, and I more strong.
Strong
Moving with rapidity or force; violent; forcible; impetuous; as, a strong current of water or wind; the wind was strong from the northeast; a strong tide.
Weak
Tending towards lower prices; as, a weak market.
Strong
Adapted to make a deep or effectual impression on the mind or imagination; striking or superior of the kind; powerful; forcible; cogent; as, a strong argument; strong reasons; strong evidence; a strong example; strong language.
Weak
To make or become weak; to weaken.
Never to seek weaking variety.
Strong
Ardent; eager; zealous; earnestly engaged; as, a strong partisan; a strong Whig or Tory.
Her mother, ever strong against that match.
Weak
Having little physical or spiritual strength;
A weak radio signal
A weak link
Strong
Having virtues of great efficacy; or, having a particular quality in a great degree; as, a strong powder or tincture; a strong decoction; strong tea or coffee.
Weak
Overly diluted; thin and insipid;
Washy coffee
Watery milk
Weak tea
Strong
Full of spirit; containing a large proportion of alcohol; intoxicating; as, strong liquors.
Weak
Lacking power
Strong
Affecting any sense powerfully; as, strong light, colors, etc.; a strong flavor of onions; a strong scent.
Weak
Used of vowels or syllables; pronounced with little or no stress;
A syllable that ends in a short vowel is a light syllable
A weak stress on the second syllable
Strong
Solid; nourishing; as, strong meat.
Weak
Having the attributes of man as opposed to e.g. divine beings;
I'm only human
Frail humanity
Strong
Well established; firm; not easily overthrown or altered; as, a strong custom; a strong belief.
Weak
Lacking force; feeble;
A forceless argument
Strong
Violent; vehement; earnest; ardent.
He had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears.
Weak
Lacking physical strength or vitality;
A feeble old woman
Her body looked sapless
Strong
Having great force, vigor, power, or the like, as the mind, intellect, or any faculty; as, a man of a strong mind, memory, judgment, or imagination.
I was stronger in prophecy than in criticism.
Weak
Used of verbs having standard (or regular) inflection
Strong
Vigorous; effective; forcible; powerful.
Like her sweet voice is thy harmonious song,As high, as sweet, as easy, and as strong.
Weak
Lacking physical strength or vigor
Strong
Tending to higher prices; rising; as, a strong market.
Weak
Characterized by excessive softness or self-indulgence;
An effeminate civilization
Strong
Pertaining to, or designating, a verb which forms its preterit (imperfect) by a variation in the root vowel, and the past participle (usually) by the addition of -en (with or without a change of the root vowel); as in the verbs strive, strove, striven; break, broke, broken; drink, drank, drunk. Opposed to weak, or regular. See Weak.
Strong
Having strength or power greater than average or expected;
A strong radio signal
Strong medicine
A strong man
Strong
Used of syllables or musical beats
Strong
Not faint or feeble;
A strong odor of burning rubber
Strong
Having or wielding force or authority;
Providing the ground soldier with increasingly potent weapons
Strong
Having a strong physiological or chemical effect;
A potent toxin
Potent liquor
A potent cup of tea
Strong
Able to withstand attack;
An impregnable fortress
Fortifications that made the frontier inviolable
Strong
Of good quality and condition; solidly built;
A solid foundation
Several substantial timber buildings
Strong
Of verbs not having standard (or regular) inflection;
`sing' is a strong verb
Strong
Having a high alcoholic content;
Hard liquor
Strong
Freshly made or left;
A warm trail
The scent is warm
Strong
Strong and sure;
A firm grasp
Gave a strong pull on the rope
Common Curiosities
Can both weak and strong apply to non-physical attributes?
Yes, both terms can describe non-physical qualities, such as arguments, passwords, or even leadership skills.
What makes a "strong argument"?
A strong argument is logically sound, well-supported by evidence, and persuasive in its reasoning.
How can "weak" be used in a sentence?
"The signal was too weak to establish a stable connection."
Can someone or something be both weak and strong in different aspects?
Yes, an entity can be weak in one area (e.g., physical strength) while being strong in another (e.g., intellectual capability).
What defines something as weak?
Weakness is characterized by a lack of strength, durability, or effectiveness, making something more susceptible to failure or damage.
Is "strong" always a positive attribute?
While "strong" often has a positive connotation, context matters; for example, a "strong odor" might be unpleasant.
Can the term "weak" be constructive?
Yes, identifying a "weak point" can be constructive if it leads to improvement or reinforcement.
Is "strong" used in financial contexts?
Yes, "strong" can describe robust financial health or performance, like a "strong economy" or "strong sales."
Can "weak" imply a temporary condition?
Yes, "weak" can describe a temporary state, such as someone being weak from illness but potentially recovering strength later.
Is "strong" always related to physical force?
No, "strong" can also refer to intensity, resilience, or effectiveness in non-physical contexts.
How can weaknesses be addressed?
Weaknesses can often be mitigated through targeted efforts, training, or strategic planning to bolster the weak areas.
Can "weak" be synonymous with "mild"?
In some contexts, yes; for example, a "weak tea" might be considered mild in flavor.
Does "weak" always mean ineffective?
Not necessarily; a "weak" element might still function but not as efficiently or reliably as a "strong" counterpart.
Can cultural perceptions of weak and strong vary?
Yes, cultural contexts can influence how strength and weakness are perceived and valued.
How is "strong" used in technology?
In technology, "strong" often refers to security measures, like strong encryption or passwords, indicating robust protection.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
