B2verbhealthpolitics
US/ˈwiː.kən/
UK/ˈwiː.kən/
to become less strong, or to make something less strong or powerful
In context
Years of serious illness had weakened his heart and lungs.
The dollar weakened against the euro after the announcement.
Constant arguments can weaken even the strongest friendship.
Words that go with weaken
verb + noun
- weaken the economyThe strike could weaken the economy.
- weaken the immune systemStress can weaken your immune system.
- weaken your resolveDon't let one failure weaken your resolve.
- weaken the currencyHigh inflation can weaken the currency.
adverb + verb
- seriously weakenThe scandal seriously weakened the government.
- gradually weakenThe wall gradually weakened after years of rain.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
He was weaken by illness.Correct: He was weakened by illness.