Strong vs. Weak: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
Strong refers to having great physical power, strength, or durability, while weak denotes a lack of strength, power, or durability.
Key Differences
Strong is used to describe something with considerable physical power or force, like a strong athlete. Weak refers to lacking physical strength or easily fatigued, like a weak limb.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 18, 2023
In terms of durability, strong implies being able to withstand pressure or damage, like strong materials. Weak suggests being easily damaged or broken, as in a weak structure.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 18, 2023
Strong also refers to something intense or potent, like a strong flavor. Weak indicates a lack of intensity or potency, such as a weak coffee.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 18, 2023
When describing character, strong implies having determination or resilience, like a strong leader. Weak can mean lacking determination or easily swayed, as in a weak argument.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 18, 2023
In technical terms, strong can mean having a powerful signal or influence, like a strong radio signal. Weak implies a faint or low-intensity signal, like a weak Wi-Fi connection.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 18, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Word Origin
Derived from Old English "strang," meaning powerful or forceful.
Comes from Old English "wāc," meaning not strong.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 18, 2023
Word Type
Often used descriptively in physical, moral, or emotional contexts.
Frequently describes deficiencies in strength, intensity, or quality.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 18, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Strong and Weak Definitions
Strong
Having great physical power or force.
She lifted the heavy box with strong arms.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 18, 2023
Strong
Having a high degree of intensity or potency.
He prefers coffee with a strong taste.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 18, 2023
Strong
Convincing or compelling in argument or character.
Her strong leadership skills were evident.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 18, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Weak
Lacking decisiveness or force of character.
His weak response did not convince anyone.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 18, 2023
Weak
Likely to fail under pressure, stress, or strain; lacking resistance
A weak link in a chain.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Strong
In good or sound health; robust
A strong constitution.
A strong heart.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Weak
Lacking firmness of character or strength of will
A weak person unable to cope with adversity.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Strong
Having force of character, will, morality, or intelligence
A strong personality.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Strong
Having or showing ability or achievement in a specified field
Students who are strong in chemistry.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Strong
Capable of withstanding force or wear; solid, tough, or firm
A strong building.
A strong fabric.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Weak
Lacking or resulting from a lack of intelligence
A weak mind.
Weak reasoning.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Strong
Not easily upset; resistant to harmful or unpleasant influences
Strong nerves.
A strong stomach.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
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.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Weak
Of, relating to, or being the inflection of nouns or adjectives in Germanic languages with a declensional suffix that historically contained an n.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Weak
Unstressed or unaccented in pronunciation or poetic meter. Used of a word or syllable.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
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.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Strong
Having force of conviction or feeling; uncompromising
Strong faith.
A strong supporter.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Weak
Lacking in force (usually strength) or ability.
The child was too weak to move the boulder.
They easily guessed his weak computer password.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Weak
Unable to sustain a great weight, pressure, or strain.
A weak timber; a weak rope
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Strong
Having an intense or offensive effect on the senses
Strong light.
Strong vinegar.
Strong cologne.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Weak
Unable to withstand temptation, urgency, persuasion, etc.; easily impressed, moved, or overcome; accessible; vulnerable.
Weak resolutions; weak virtue
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Weak
Dilute, lacking in taste or potency.
We were served stale bread and weak tea.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Strong
Readily noticeable; remarkable
A strong resemblance.
A strong contrast.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Weak
Regular in inflection, lacking vowel changes and having a past tense with -d- or -t-.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Strong
Having a high concentration of an essential or active ingredient
Mixed a strong solution of bleach and water.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Weak
Definite in meaning, often used with a definite article or similar word.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Weak
(chemistry) That does not ionize completely into anions and cations in a solution.
A weak acid;
A weak base
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Weak
(physics) One of the four fundamental forces associated with nuclear decay.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Strong
Having a specified number of units or members
A military force 100,000 strong.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Weak
Having a narrow range of logical consequences; narrowly applicable. (Often contrasted with a strong statement which implies it.)
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
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.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Weak
Resulting from, or indicating, lack of judgment, discernment, or firmness; unwise; hence, foolish.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
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.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Weak
Not having power to convince; not supported by force of reason or truth; unsustained.
The prosecution advanced a weak case.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Strong
Stressed or accented in pronunciation or poetic meter. Used of a word or syllable.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Strong
In a strong, powerful, or vigorous manner; forcefully
A salesperson who comes on too strong.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Weak
Not prevalent or effective, or not felt to be prevalent; not potent; feeble.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Strong
Capable of producing great physical force.
A big strong man; Jake was tall and strong
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Weak
(stock exchange) Tending towards lower prices.
A weak market; wheat is weak at present
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Strong
Capable of withstanding great physical force.
A strong foundation; good strong shoes
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Strong
(of water, wind, etc.) Having a lot of power.
The man was nearly drowned after a strong undercurrent swept him out to sea.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
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.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Weak
Not possessing or manifesting intellectual, logical, moral, or political strength, vigor, etc.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Weak
Not able to sustain a great weight, pressure, or strain; as, a weak timber; a weak rope.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Strong
Having a high concentration of an essential or active ingredient.
A strong cup of coffee; a strong medicine
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
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.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Strong
(specifically) Having a high alcoholic content.
A strong drink
She gets up, and pours herself a strong one. - Eagles, Lying Eyes
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
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).
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Strong
(grammar) Inflecting in a different manner than the one called weak, such as Germanic verbs which change vowels.
A strong verb
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Weak
Not firmly united or adhesive; easily broken or separated into pieces; not compact; as, a weak ship.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Strong
(chemistry) That completely ionizes into anions and cations in a solution.
A strong acid;
A strong base
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
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.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Weak
Tending toward a lower price or lower prices; as, wheat is weak; a weak market.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Strong
Impressive, good.
You're working with troubled youth in your off time? That’s strong!
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
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.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Strong
Having a specified number of people or units.
The enemy's army force was five thousand strong.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Weak
Lacking in good cards; deficient as to number or strength; as, a hand weak in trumps.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Weak
Not able to resist external force or onset; easily subdued or overcome; as, a weak barrier; as, a weak fortress.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Strong
Having a wide range of logical consequences; widely applicable. (Often contrasted with a weak statement which it implies.)
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
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.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Weak
Lacking force of utterance or sound; not sonorous; low; small; feeble; faint.
A voice not soft, weak, piping, and womanish.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
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.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Weak
Wanting in power to influence or bind; as, weak ties; a weak sense of honor of duty.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Strong
Having passive physical power; having ability to bear or endure; firm; hale; sound; robust; as, a strong constitution; strong health.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
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.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
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.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
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.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Strong
Having great military or naval force; powerful; as, a strong army or fleet; a nation strong at sea.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Weak
Lacking ability for an appropriate function or office; as, weak eyes; a weak stomach; a weak magistrate; a weak regiment, or army.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Strong
Having great wealth, means, or resources; as, a strong house, or company of merchants.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Weak
Wanting in point or vigor of expression; as, a weak sentence; a weak style.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Strong
Reaching a certain degree or limit in respect to strength or numbers; as, an army ten thousand strong.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Weak
Not prevalent or effective, or not felt to be prevalent; not potent; feeble.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
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.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
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.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
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.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Strong
Ardent; eager; zealous; earnestly engaged; as, a strong partisan; a strong Whig or Tory.
Her mother, ever strong against that match.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
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.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Weak
Having little physical or spiritual strength;
A weak radio signal
A weak link
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Strong
Full of spirit; containing a large proportion of alcohol; intoxicating; as, strong liquors.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Strong
Affecting any sense powerfully; as, strong light, colors, etc.; a strong flavor of onions; a strong scent.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
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
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Strong
Well established; firm; not easily overthrown or altered; as, a strong custom; a strong belief.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Weak
Having the attributes of man as opposed to e.g. divine beings;
I'm only human
Frail humanity
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Strong
Violent; vehement; earnest; ardent.
He had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
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.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Weak
Lacking physical strength or vitality;
A feeble old woman
Her body looked sapless
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Strong
Vigorous; effective; forcible; powerful.
Like her sweet voice is thy harmonious song,As high, as sweet, as easy, and as strong.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
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.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Weak
Characterized by excessive softness or self-indulgence;
An effeminate civilization
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Strong
Having strength or power greater than average or expected;
A strong radio signal
Strong medicine
A strong man
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Weak
Lacking physical strength or power.
After the illness, he felt weak and tired.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 18, 2023
Weak
Not compelling or poorly argued.
The case was dismissed due to weak evidence.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 18, 2023
Strong
Having or wielding force or authority;
Providing the ground soldier with increasingly potent weapons
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Strong
Having a strong physiological or chemical effect;
A potent toxin
Potent liquor
A potent cup of tea
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Strong
Able to withstand attack;
An impregnable fortress
Fortifications that made the frontier inviolable
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Strong
Of good quality and condition; solidly built;
A solid foundation
Several substantial timber buildings
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Strong
Of verbs not having standard (or regular) inflection;
`sing' is a strong verb
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Strong
Able to withstand great force or pressure.
The bridge is strong enough to hold the weight.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 18, 2023
Strong
Emotionally or mentally robust.
She showed strong resilience during the crisis.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 18, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
What does Strong mean?
Having great physical, emotional, or structural power.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 18, 2023
How is Strong used in a technical sense?
To describe powerful signals or robust systems.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 18, 2023
Is Weak always negative?
Often, but it can be neutral in some contexts, like a weak tea preference.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 18, 2023
Can people be described as Strong?
Yes, in terms of physical strength or character.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 18, 2023
Can Strong be used to describe emotions?
Yes, it can describe intense or resilient emotions.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 18, 2023
Can Weak refer to character traits?
Yes, like indecisiveness or lack of conviction.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 18, 2023
What is a Strong material?
A material that can withstand force or pressure.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 18, 2023
Is Strong a subjective term?
It can be, depending on context and perspective.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 18, 2023
How do Weaknesses affect performance?
They can limit effectiveness or efficiency.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 18, 2023
Is Strong related to success?
Often, especially in competitive or challenging situations.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 18, 2023
How is Strong used in fitness?
To describe robust physical health or capability.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 18, 2023
Can Weak be used constructively?
Yes, in identifying areas for improvement or development.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 18, 2023
Is a Weak argument always unconvincing?
Typically, it lacks compelling evidence or reasoning.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 18, 2023
Does Weak always mean physically feeble?
Not always; it can refer to other deficiencies.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 18, 2023
Can Strong be a positive trait?
Yes, often in physical, emotional, or moral contexts.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 18, 2023
Share this page
Link for your blog / website
HTML
Link to share via messenger
About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
Shumaila Saeed
Hifza Nasir
Dua Fatima
