weaker
adj.-
1 less strong (adj.) A2 Elementaryhaving less physical strength, power, or health than another person or thing.
possessing a lower degree of physical force, structural integrity, or biological health compared to a reference point.
ExampleThe younger kitten was much weaker than its siblings and needed extra food.
ExampleThe bridge's foundations proved to be weaker than the original surveys suggested, necessitating an immediate suspension of heavy traffic.
- frailer
- fainter
- vulnerabler
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2 less convincing (adj.) B1 Intermediatedescribing an argument or idea that is not as easy to believe or support as another one.
characterising an argument, evidence, or claim that lacks the persuasive force or logical grounding of a competing proposition.
ExampleHis second excuse was even weaker than the first one he gave.
ExampleThe prosecution's case became significantly weaker after the primary witness admitted to having a poor memory of the events.
- flimsier
- shakier
- stronger
- sturdier
- sounder
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3 logic (adj.) C1 Advanced Technical Academic Mathin logic, a statement that is easier to prove true because it says less than another statement.
describing a proposition that is entailed by another but does not itself entail that other; it imposes fewer restrictions on possible outcomes.
ExampleThe statement 'it might rain' is weaker than 'it will rain'.
ExampleIn formal logic, a weaker hypothesis is often preferred if it still allows the researcher to derive the necessary conclusions without overreaching.
UsageUsually used in comparison to a 'stronger' claim or theorem.
- less restrictive