English Reference

Word

weakest

Phoneticsweak·est

US/ˈwikəst/

UK/wˈiːkəst/

Definition

adj. having the least amount of physical strength, power, or skill compared to others in a group. It is the form of 'weak' you use when comparing three or more things.

adj. the superlative form of 'weak', indicating the lowest degree of physical strength, structural integrity, or persuasive power within a set.

Examples

“He is the weakest player on the team.”

“The bridge collapsed because the central support beam was the weakest part of the entire structure.”

“In a chain, the weakest link determines the overall strength of the system, regardless of how robust the other components may be.”

Examples

simple

“He is the weakest player on the team.”

contextual

“The bridge collapsed because the central support beam was the weakest part of the entire structure.”

complex

“In a chain, the weakest link determines the overall strength of the system, regardless of how robust the other components may be.”

Usage

Superlative adjective — typically preceded by the definite article 'the' and followed by a noun or a prepositional phrase starting with 'of' or 'in'.

Pitfall

the most weakest

the weakest

Double superlatives are incorrect; 'weak' is a one-syllable adjective and only takes the '-est' ending.

This entry

Level
A2 · Elementary
Frequency
Frequent
Updated

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English Reference