Word
weakening
Phoneticsweak·en·ing, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈwikənɪŋ/
UK/wˈiːkənɪŋ/
Definitions
01loss of strength
B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun
n. the process of becoming less strong, powerful, or effective.
n. the process or instance of losing strength, intensity, or structural integrity.
“The doctor was concerned about the gradual weakening of the patient's heart muscles.”
“The sudden weakening of the currency led to a sharp increase in the cost of imported raw materials, destabilising the local manufacturing sector.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
02logic and proofs
C2 · Proficiency Uncountable noun Mathematics Technical
n. a rule in math and logic that says you can add extra facts to a proof without changing the result.
n. a structural rule in many systems of logic stating that the hypotheses of any derived fact may be extended with additional assumptions.
“In this logic exercise, we use weakening to add a new premise to the argument.”
“The proof relies on the principle of weakening, which allows the introduction of irrelevant premises without affecting the validity of the conclusion.”
Teaching tip
This is a highly specialised term in formal logic; most learners will only encounter the general sense of losing strength.
Synonyms
Real-World Examples
“While the AMOC has been strong over the past 11,700 years, since the end of the last Ice Age, many climate models project future weakening of the AMOC due to human-driven climate change.” “They say weakening is not the same as collapse, and that the evidence may point to a slower decline or reorganisation rather than a sudden shutdown.” Word family
VERB
NOUN
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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