easy
Too much water can weaken the paper.
What does Weaken mean?
Weaken means to make weaker.
Dictionary definition
To make something less strong, less powerful, or less effective.
Example sentences
Weaken in a sentence
medium
The storm began to weaken after midnight.
hard
A weak argument can weaken a paragraph because it gives little support.
Writing practice
Ready to write your own? Study the examples, then practice weaken in a sentence with Sentence Builder checklist feedback.
Quick practice
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Practice the meaning of Weaken
Answer three quick questions about its meaning and related words.
Question 1 of 3
Practice 1
What does weaken mean?
The correct meaning is: Weaken means to make weaker.
Practice 2
Which word is closest in meaning to weaken?
Reduce is close in meaning to weaken in this context.
Practice 3
Which word or phrase is a useful contrast for weaken?
Strengthen contrasts with weaken in this dictionary entry.
Practice complete
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Pronunciation coach
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Weaken
Voice settings
Sounds like
wee · kun · strongest beat: wee
Tap each sound part, then blend the whole word together.
Learn
WordWeaken.
Partverb.
MeaningWeaken means to make weaker.
ExampleExample: Too much water can weaken the paper.
Word breakdown
2 syllables. Say each part, then blend the word.
- Syllables
- wee · kun
- Strongest beat
- wee
- Ending
- kun
- Tip
- Put a little extra energy on wee.
Your turn
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Synonyms
Words like Weaken
Antonyms
Opposite words
strengthenUse when making something stronger.
reinforceUse when adding support.
Synonym practice
Want to practice weaken synonyms in context? Try a Synonym Search question like "Too much water can weaken the paper bridge," then compare close word choices. Practice weaken synonyms.
Word family
Weaken word family
Base word
weak
verb
weaken
To make less strong.
verb
weakened
Made less strong in the past.
noun
weakness
A lack of strength or weak point.
Related words
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Student support
Understand Weaken
Hint for students
Weaken means to make weaker.
Common mix-up
Weaken means make less strong. It is the opposite of strengthen.
Try it in class or at home
Write one sentence that shows weaken without using the word weaken. Then underline clue words that show to make weaker. Example: The storm began to weaken after midnight. Clue words: storm, began, midnight Now try your own sentence. Ask: Does my sentence show to make weaker?
Teacher prompt
Ask students to explain this model sentence: "The storm began to weaken after midnight." Why does weaken fit better than strengthen?
Learning activities
Practice Weaken and explore more word games
Cards labelled “Practice WEAKEN” keep this word in focus. Explore cards open games with other words.
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Sentence Builder
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