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Synonyms for

Weakening

Verb / ˈwi:kʌnɪŋ / Another word for weakening — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

to become weaker; to make something weaker

Synonyms & similar words

enfeebling weaken countermine dampen damp escalate undermine strengthen strengthening deescalate stepdown soften enervating subvert debilitative sabotage break counteract diminishing fading declining lessening softening tapering attenuating deteriorating debilitating enfeebling frailty worsening exhausting fatiguing tiring debilitating sapping draining depleting

Synonyms by register

Formal

declining diminishing attenuating ebbing

Informal

fading giving out petering out winding down

Literary

waning failing languishing

Antonyms

strengthening intensifying reinforcing bolstering fortifying hardening

Common collocations

  • weakening muscles
  • weakening economy
  • weakening resolve
  • weakening grip
  • weakening signal
  • weakening eyesight
  • weakening condition

Word family

noun weakness
verb weaken
adjective weak
adverb weakly

Usage note

This word describes a process of becoming less strong or effective. It can apply to physical strength, abstract concepts like resolve or economy, or even signals.

Compare "weakening" with another word →

Example sentences

  1. The sun was weakening as it set.
  2. The hurricane was weakening as it moved inland.
  3. The teacher warned the student that his argument was weakening.
  4. The economy is weakening due to the pandemic.
  5. The athlete's muscles are weakening due to the injury.

Quotes

  • The weakening of the will is the greatest defect.
  • The weakening of the team may be the result of the over-reliance on a few key players.
  • The weakening of the absolute moral standards in society leads to a weakening of the will to resist evil.

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