weaken

verb C1

Meaning

To weaken refers to the act of diminishing the strength, effectiveness, or potency of something, often implying a gradual process that can lead to vulnerability or reduced capacity in various contexts, including physical, emotional, or structural dimensio
💡 The term is frequently misused in informal contexts where "lessen" or "reduce" may be more appropriate; "weaken" carries a connotation of deterioration rather than mere decrease.

Example Sentences

Poor management decisions can weaken a company's market position quickly .
The study aims to weaken the hypothesis through controlled experiments .

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