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faiblesse

A2 noun #4,000 most common 11 min read

faiblesse

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Practice it Examples Notes & Tips faiblesse in 30 Seconds

Explanation faiblesse in your Level:

At the A1 level, you should recognize 'faiblesse' as a noun related to 'faible' (weak). You will mostly use it in simple physical contexts or to express a basic like or dislike. For example, you might say 'J'ai une faiblesse pour le chocolat' to mean you really like chocolate. You should focus on the fact that it is a feminine noun ('la faiblesse') and that it describes a lack of strength. At this stage, don't worry about complex philosophical uses; just think of it as the opposite of 'force' (strength). You might see it in simple health contexts, like feeling 'faible' (weak) because you are tired, leading to a state of 'faiblesse'. It's a useful word to describe basic human needs and preferences in a simple way.

At the A2 level, you begin to use 'faiblesse' in more varied everyday situations. You can describe someone's character flaws in a simple way, such as saying 'Sa faiblesse est la timidité' (His weakness is shyness). You are expected to use the preposition 'pour' correctly in the phrase 'avoir une faiblesse pour'. You also start to distinguish between physical weakness and a 'weak point' in an object or a plan. You should be able to understand short texts where 'faiblesse' is used to describe a problem or a limitation. You are also learning that the suffix '-esse' creates feminine nouns, which helps you group 'faiblesse' with words like 'vitesse' and 'tristesse'.

At the B1 level, you can use 'faiblesse' to discuss more abstract concepts and participate in debates. You might describe the 'faiblesse d'un argument' (weakness of an argument) or talk about 'moments de faiblesse' (moments of weakness) when discussing personal experiences or stories. You understand that the word can have a slightly formal tone in certain contexts, such as 'une faiblesse passagère'. You are also becoming aware of synonyms like 'fragilité' or 'défaut' and can start choosing between them based on the context. Your ability to use the word in different tenses and with various adjectives (e.g., 'une faiblesse évidente', 'une grande faiblesse') is improving.

At the B2 level, you use 'faiblesse' with nuance in professional and academic settings. You can analyze the 'faiblesses structurelles' of an economy or a social system. You are familiar with more specialized terms like 'abus de faiblesse' in a legal context. You can use the word to express subtle differences in meaning, such as the difference between a physical 'faiblesse' and a moral 'lâcheté' (cowardice). You are comfortable using the word in complex sentence structures and can identify it in sophisticated literature or news reports. You understand how the word functions in idiomatic expressions and can use it to add depth to your descriptions of people and situations.

At the C1 level, 'faiblesse' becomes a tool for precise philosophical or psychological analysis. You can discuss the 'faiblesse humaine' in the context of classical literature or existentialism. You understand the historical and etymological roots of the word and how it has evolved. You can use it in a variety of registers, from very formal reports to highly idiomatic conversation. You are capable of using the word to describe very specific phenomena, such as the 'faiblesse d'un signal' in technology or the 'faiblesse d'une preuve' in law. Your use of synonyms and related terms is precise, and you can explain the subtle connotations that 'faiblesse' carries in different cultural contexts.

At the C2 level, you have a complete mastery of 'faiblesse' and its many layers of meaning. You can use it in creative writing to evoke specific moods or to critique complex ideologies. You are aware of rare or archaic uses of the word and can appreciate its use in 17th-century French theater (like Molière or Racine). You can navigate the most technical uses of the term in fields like medicine, law, and engineering without hesitation. You understand how 'faiblesse' interacts with other complex concepts like 'pouvoir', 'autorité', and 'vulnérabilité'. You can use the word with total precision in any context, reflecting a deep understanding of French culture and thought.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

faiblesse in 30 Seconds

Faiblesse is a feminine noun meaning 'weakness'. It covers physical fatigue, character flaws, and technical vulnerabilities in various contexts.
It comes from the adjective 'faible' (weak) plus the feminine suffix '-esse', which is common for abstract nouns in French.
The phrase 'avoir une faiblesse pour' is a popular way to say you have a 'soft spot' or a 'crush' on something.
In formal French, it can describe structural issues in buildings or logical flaws in an argument or a political position.

The French word faiblesse is a feminine noun that translates directly to 'weakness' in English. At its core, it represents a lack of strength, energy, or resistance, whether that be physical, moral, or structural. Understanding this word requires looking at its root, the adjective faible (weak), combined with the suffix -esse, which is commonly used in French to transform adjectives into abstract feminine nouns. You will encounter this word in various contexts, ranging from a doctor describing a patient's physical state to a literary critic analyzing a character's tragic flaw.

Physical State: In a medical or biological sense, faiblesse describes a lack of muscular power or general fatigue. It is often used to describe the feeling in one's limbs after intense exercise or during an illness.

Après avoir couru le marathon, il a ressenti une grande faiblesse dans les jambes.

Character and Personality: Metaphorically, it refers to a flaw in someone's personality or a lack of willpower. If someone cannot resist a temptation, that temptation is described as their weakness. It is the opposite of force (strength) or volonté (willpower).

Sa plus grande faiblesse est son incapacité à dire non à ses amis.

Beyond physical and moral attributes, faiblesse is used in technical and abstract domains. In economics, one might speak of the 'faiblesse de la monnaie' (weakness of the currency). In engineering, it refers to a 'point de faiblesse' (weak point) in a structure. It is also a very common way to express a 'soft spot' for something or someone. If you love chocolate so much that you can't resist it, chocolate is your faiblesse. This nuanced use makes it a versatile word for describing anything from a structural crack in a bridge to a romantic inclination. The word carries a sense of vulnerability that is central to French philosophical discussions about the human condition, where acknowledging one's faiblesses is often seen as a step toward wisdom and self-improvement.

L'analyste a souligné la faiblesse structurelle du nouveau bâtiment.

A Soft Spot: The expression 'avoir une faiblesse pour' is the French equivalent of having a 'soft spot' or a 'weakness' for something enjoyable. It implies a lack of resistance due to affection or desire.

J'ai une petite faiblesse pour les vieux films en noir et blanc.

La faiblesse de son argumentaire a rapidement été exposée par son adversaire.

Using faiblesse correctly involves understanding its grammatical role as a noun and the common prepositions that accompany it. Since it is a feminine noun, it is always preceded by feminine articles (la, une, cette, ma, sa). One of the most common ways to use it is to describe a specific attribute of a person or object using the preposition de. For example, 'la faiblesse de ce plan' (the weakness of this plan). When talking about a person's specific vulnerability, you use 'sa faiblesse'. It is also frequently used in the plural, faiblesses, to denote multiple flaws or areas of vulnerability.

Describing Lack of Power: When used to describe a lack of intensity or power, it often follows verbs like montrer (to show), ressentir (to feel), or avouer (to admit).

Il ne veut jamais montrer sa faiblesse devant ses collègues.

The Preposition 'Pour': To express a 'soft spot' or an attraction to something, use the construction: avoir une faiblesse pour [quelque chose/quelqu'un]. This is a very common idiomatic use in conversational French.

Elle a une faiblesse pour les desserts au chocolat noir.

In more formal or academic writing, faiblesse is used to critique arguments or theories. You might write about the 'faiblesses d'une méthodologie' (weaknesses of a methodology). In these contexts, it is often paired with adjectives like notoire (notorious), évidente (obvious), or passagère (temporary). For instance, 'une faiblesse passagère' describes a temporary lapse in strength or resolve. When used in the context of health, it can also be paired with the part of the body affected, such as 'une faiblesse cardiaque' or 'une faiblesse respiratoire', though these are more clinical terms.

Malgré sa faiblesse apparente, elle a réussi à terminer le projet à temps.

Expressing Regret: Sometimes, faiblesse is used to excuse a mistake. 'C'était un moment de faiblesse' (It was a moment of weakness) is a common way to explain why someone did something they shouldn't have done.

Pardonnez-moi, j'ai eu un moment de faiblesse et j'ai tout raconté.

La faiblesse du signal Wi-Fi rend le travail difficile dans cette pièce.

The word faiblesse is omnipresent in French daily life, appearing in diverse settings from the intimate to the institutional. In a casual setting, you might hear it among friends discussing their favorite foods or habits. It's a lighthearted way to admit to a guilty pleasure. For instance, at a dinner party, a guest might say, 'Le fromage est ma grande faiblesse,' signaling that they cannot stop eating it. In this context, the word is charming and social, rather than a serious admission of failure.

In the Media: News anchors and journalists frequently use faiblesse when discussing politics or economics. They might analyze the 'faiblesse du gouvernement' (weakness of the government) in the face of protests, or the 'faiblesse des exportations' (weakness of exports). Here, it carries a weight of structural or strategic deficiency.

Le journal télévisé a évoqué la faiblesse du pouvoir d'achat des ménages.

In Literature and Cinema: French literature is famous for its exploration of human psychology. Characters are often defined by their faiblesses. Whether it's a tragic hero's fatal flaw or a protagonist's struggle with their own nature, this word is central to describing internal conflict. In movies, a character might confess, 'C'est ma seule faiblesse,' during a dramatic revelation.

Dans ce roman, la faiblesse du héros le mène à sa perte.

In professional environments, faiblesse is used during performance reviews or project debriefs. A manager might point out a 'faiblesse dans la communication' within a team. It is also used in legal contexts, such as 'abus de faiblesse', which is a specific crime in France involving the exploitation of a vulnerable person (like the elderly or the mentally ill). This legal use is very serious and frequently appears in crime reports and legal dramas. Finally, in the world of wine and gastronomy, a 'faiblesse' might refer to a wine that lacks body or a dish that lacks seasoning, though 'manque de corps' or 'manque d'assaisonnement' are more technical terms. Understanding these varied environments helps you grasp the full emotional and practical range of the word.

L'avocat a plaidé l'abus de faiblesse pour protéger sa cliente âgée.

In Everyday Health: If you go to a pharmacy and say 'Je ressens une faiblesse générale,' the pharmacist will understand you are feeling run down or lacking energy, perhaps needing vitamins or rest.

Cette grippe m'a laissé dans un état de faiblesse extrême.

La faiblesse des preuves a conduit à l'abandon des charges.

For English speakers, the word faiblesse presents a few common pitfalls, mainly regarding gender, spelling, and its distinction from similar words. The most frequent mistake is getting the gender wrong. Because many abstract nouns in English are gender-neutral, learners often default to 'le faiblesse'. However, nouns ending in -esse are almost universally feminine in French (e.g., la tristesse, la sagesse, la vitesse). Always remember to use 'la' or 'une'.

Confusion with 'Faible': Learners often try to use the adjective faible where the noun faiblesse is required. You cannot say 'C'est mon faible' to mean 'It is my weakness'; you must say 'C'est ma faiblesse'. While 'mon faible' exists as a very specific idiom meaning 'my soft spot', it is much less common than using the noun.

Incorrect: J'ai un faiblesse pour le vin.
Correct: J'ai une faiblesse pour le vin.

Confusion with 'Défaillance': As mentioned before, faiblesse is a state, while défaillance is an event. If a machine stops working because a part broke, that is a 'défaillance'. If the machine is generally not powerful enough, that is a 'faiblesse'. Using 'faiblesse' for a sudden mechanical breakdown can sound unnatural.

Incorrect: La faiblesse de l'ordinateur a causé le crash.
Correct: La défaillance du système a causé le crash.

Another mistake is using the word 'manque' (lack) interchangeably with 'faiblesse'. While they are related, they are not always synonyms. 'Une faiblesse de courage' sounds like you have some courage but it is weak, whereas 'un manque de courage' means you have no courage at all. Finally, be careful with the expression 'abus de faiblesse'. It is a legal term. If you use it casually to mean someone is taking advantage of your kindness, it might sound more dramatic or legalistic than you intended. For casual situations, 'profiter de ma gentillesse' is usually better.

Il a profité de ma faiblesse passagère pour me convaincre. (Correct, but formal/dramatic).

Pronunciation of the 'ai': The 'ai' in faiblesse is pronounced like the 'e' in 'met' (/ɛ/). Some learners try to pronounce it like 'ay' in 'say', which makes the word sound like 'fay-blesse'. Keep it short and open.

La faiblesse de son accent ne l'empêche pas d'être compris.

Ne confondez pas la faiblesse avec la douceur.

To enrich your French vocabulary, it's helpful to know synonyms and related words for faiblesse. Depending on the context—whether you're talking about a personality trait, a physical condition, or a logical flaw—different words might be more precise. Using a variety of terms shows a higher level of fluency and allows for more nuanced expression.

Fragilité vs. Faiblesse: Fragilité (fragility) implies that something is easily broken or damaged. While faiblesse means a lack of strength, fragilité suggests a delicate nature. A glass is fragile; a person's resolve might be weak.

Sa faiblesse est physique, mais sa fragilité est émotionnelle.

Défaut vs. Faiblesse: A défaut is a fault or a flaw. When talking about a person's character, faiblesse often implies a lack of resistance to something (like a vice), whereas défaut is a more general term for a negative trait (like being messy or late).

L'égoïsme est un défaut, mais la gourmandise est une faiblesse.

Other alternatives include lacune, which is specifically used for a 'weakness' in knowledge or a gap in a story. If you are bad at math, you have 'des lacunes en mathématiques'. In the context of energy or light, you might use pâleur (paleness) or ténuité (tenuousness). If someone is physically weak due to old age, the word décrépitude might be used, though it is quite harsh. On the positive side, if you want to avoid the negative connotations of 'faiblesse', you can use 'point sensible' (sensitive point) or 'inclination' (leaning/preference). Choosing the right word depends entirely on whether you want to be critical, descriptive, or empathetic.

Il a quelques lacunes en histoire, ce qui est sa principale faiblesse.

Carence vs. Faiblesse: In medical or nutritional contexts, carence is a deficiency (e.g., 'carence en fer' - iron deficiency). This is a precise type of weakness caused by a lack of a specific substance.

Sa faiblesse est due à une carence en vitamines.

Le chevalier a trouvé le point faible de l'armure.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

"Nous devons identifier les faiblesses structurelles de notre stratégie."

Neutral

"Elle a une faiblesse pour les glaces à la vanille."

Informal

"J'ai eu un petit coup de mou, une petite faiblesse quoi."

Child friendly

"Même les super-héros ont une petite faiblesse."

Slang

"C'est son point faible, tu peux le chauffer là-dessus."

Fun Fact

The transition from the Latin 'flebilis' (weeping/lamentable) to the French 'faible' (weak) shows how the concept of weakness evolved from an emotional state to a physical and moral one. The suffix '-esse' is a very productive way in French to turn qualities into nouns.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /fɛ.blɛs/

US /fɛ.blɛs/

In French, stress is usually on the final syllable of a word or phrase. Stress 'blesse'.

Rhymes With

tristesse vitesse sagesse gentillesse promesse tendresse jeunesse richesse

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'ai' as 'ay' (like 'say'). It should be 'eh' (like 'met').
Pronouncing the final 'e' as 'uh'. It should be silent.
Making the 'ss' sound like a 'z'. Double 's' is always a sharp 's' sound.
Misplacing the stress on the first syllable.
Merging the 'bl' sound too much; it should be clear.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize because of its similarity to 'faible' and English 'feeble'.

Writing 3/5

Requires remembering the double 's' and the feminine gender.

Speaking 2/5

Pronunciation is straightforward as long as the 'ai' sound is correct.

Listening 2/5

Clear sound, though it can be confused with 'faible' if the ending isn't heard clearly.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

faible force caractère corps manquer

Learn Next

fragilité vulnérabilité affaiblir défaillance lacune

Advanced

ontologie paradigme inhérent abus de faiblesse sémantique

Grammar to Know

Nouns ending in '-esse' are feminine.

La tristesse, la richesse, la faiblesse.

The preposition 'pour' follows 'faiblesse' when indicating a liking.

Une faiblesse pour le café.

Adjective agreement with feminine nouns.

Une grande faiblesse (not grand).

Using 'de' to indicate the source or type of weakness.

Une faiblesse de signal.

Pluralization by adding 's'.

Ses faiblesses sont nombreuses.

Examples by Level

La faiblesse est le contraire de la force.

Weakness is the opposite of strength.

Simple definition using 'le contraire de'.

J'ai une faiblesse pour les gâteaux.

I have a weakness for cakes.

Uses the common idiom 'avoir une faiblesse pour'.

Elle ressent une petite faiblesse aujourd'hui.

She feels a bit of weakness today.

Physical state with the verb 'ressentir'.

C'est sa seule faiblesse.

It's his/her only weakness.

Possessive adjective 'sa' matches the feminine noun 'faiblesse'.

Ma faiblesse est le chocolat.

My weakness is chocolate.

Subject-complement structure.

Il n'aime pas montrer sa faiblesse.

He doesn't like to show his weakness.

Negative structure 'ne... pas'.

Une faiblesse dans les jambes est normale après le sport.

Weakness in the legs is normal after sports.

Prepositional phrase 'dans les jambes'.

La faiblesse peut être physique ou morale.

Weakness can be physical or moral.

Adjectives 'physique' and 'morale' agree with the feminine noun.

Sa plus grande faiblesse est d'être trop gentil.

His greatest weakness is being too kind.

Superlative 'sa plus grande'.

Nous avons trouvé une faiblesse dans le mur.

We found a weakness in the wall.

Structural use of the word.

Elle a avoué sa faiblesse pour les films romantiques.

She admitted her weakness for romantic movies.

Verb 'avouer' (to admit).

Il y a une faiblesse de signal ici.

There is a weakness of signal here.

Technical use of 'faiblesse de'.

Ne confonds pas la gentillesse avec la faiblesse.

Don't confuse kindness with weakness.

Imperative 'ne confonds pas'.

C'était un moment de faiblesse, je suis désolé.

It was a moment of weakness, I'm sorry.

Common phrase 'un moment de faiblesse'.

La faiblesse de l'équipe est la défense.

The team's weakness is the defense.

Genitive construction 'de l'équipe'.

Il a surmonté sa faiblesse physique par l'entraînement.

He overcame his physical weakness through training.

Verb 'surmonter' (to overcome).

L'analyste a critiqué la faiblesse de l'argumentation.

The analyst criticized the weakness of the argument.

Abstract use in a professional context.

Sa faiblesse de caractère l'empêche de prendre des décisions.

His weakness of character prevents him from making decisions.

Compound noun phrase 'faiblesse de caractère'.

Malgré sa faiblesse passagère, elle a continué à travailler.

Despite her temporary weakness, she continued to work.

Preposition 'malgré' (despite).

Le médecin a noté une certaine faiblesse cardiaque.

The doctor noted a certain cardiac weakness.

Medical adjective 'cardiaque'.

Reconnaître ses faiblesses est une preuve de maturité.

Recognizing one's weaknesses is a proof of maturity.

Plural form 'ses faiblesses'.

La faiblesse du dollar inquiète les investisseurs.

The weakness of the dollar worries investors.

Economic context.

Elle a succombé à une faiblesse et a acheté ces chaussures chères.

She succumbed to a weakness and bought those expensive shoes.

Verb 'succomber à'.

Il y a une faiblesse évidente dans votre raisonnement.

There is an obvious weakness in your reasoning.

Adjective 'évidente' following the noun.

Le gouvernement doit remédier à la faiblesse du système éducatif.

The government must address the weakness of the education system.

Verb 'remédier à'.

L'abus de faiblesse est puni par la loi française.

Abuse of weakness is punished by French law.

Legal term 'abus de faiblesse'.

Il a exploité la faiblesse de son adversaire pour gagner le débat.

He exploited his opponent's weakness to win the debate.

Verb 'exploiter'.

La faiblesse des taux d'intérêt favorise les emprunteurs.

The weakness of interest rates favors borrowers.

Financial context.

Cette œuvre souligne la faiblesse de la condition humaine.

This work highlights the weakness of the human condition.

Literary/Philosophical context.

La faiblesse structurelle du pont a été détectée à temps.

The structural weakness of the bridge was detected in time.

Adjective 'structurelle'.

On ne doit pas confondre vulnérabilité et faiblesse.

One should not confuse vulnerability and weakness.

Nuanced distinction.

Sa faiblesse pour le luxe l'a mené à la faillite.

His weakness for luxury led him to bankruptcy.

Consequence structure 'l'a mené à'.

Le poète explore la faiblesse du langage face à l'indicible.

The poet explores the weakness of language in the face of the unspeakable.

Highly abstract/literary use.

La faiblesse de sa position politique est devenue intenable.

The weakness of his political position became untenable.

Adjective 'intenable'.

Il a analysé avec précision les faiblesses du paradigme actuel.

He precisely analyzed the weaknesses of the current paradigm.

Scientific/Academic context.

La faiblesse du récit réside dans son manque de cohérence.

The story's weakness lies in its lack of coherence.

Verb 'résider dans'.

Elle a fait preuve d'une faiblesse coupable en ignorant les faits.

She showed a guilty weakness by ignoring the facts.

Expression 'faire preuve de'.

La faiblesse des ressources naturelles limite le développement.

The weakness (scarcity) of natural resources limits development.

Context of scarcity.

Son argumentation souffre d'une faiblesse méthodologique majeure.

His argument suffers from a major methodological weakness.

Verb 'souffrir de'.

L'auteur dépeint la faiblesse morale de la bourgeoisie du XIXe siècle.

The author depicts the moral weakness of the 19th-century bourgeoisie.

Historical/Sociological context.

L'ontologie bergsonienne traite de la faiblesse de l'intelligence pure.

Bergsonian ontology deals with the weakness of pure intelligence.

Philosophical terminology.

La faiblesse de la trame narrative est compensée par le style.

The weakness of the narrative plot is compensated for by the style.

Literary criticism.

Il s'agit d'une faiblesse inhérente à tout système bureaucratique.

It is a weakness inherent to any bureaucratic system.

Adjective 'inhérente à'.

La faiblesse de la lumière crépusculaire donnait au paysage un air irréel.

The weakness of the twilight light gave the landscape an unreal air.

Descriptive/Evocative use.

Le souverain a montré une faiblesse qui a précipité la chute de l'empire.

The sovereign showed a weakness that precipitated the fall of the empire.

Historical/Narrative use.

Cette faiblesse sémantique rend la traduction quasi impossible.

This semantic weakness makes the translation almost impossible.

Linguistic context.

La faiblesse de son pouls indiquait un état de choc profond.

The weakness of his pulse indicated a state of profound shock.

Technical medical observation.

L'esthétique du vide souligne la faiblesse de la matière face à l'esprit.

The aesthetics of the void highlight the weakness of matter in the face of the spirit.

Artistic/Philosophical critique.

Common Collocations

grande faiblesse

faiblesse physique

faiblesse morale

moment de faiblesse

point de faiblesse

signe de faiblesse

faiblesse structurelle

faiblesse passagère

faiblesse cardiaque

avouer sa faiblesse

Common Phrases

Avoir une faiblesse pour...

— To have a soft spot for something or someone. It implies a lack of resistance due to liking.

J'ai une faiblesse pour les chats.

Par faiblesse

— Out of weakness. Doing something because one lacks the strength to say no.

Il a accepté par faiblesse.

Une faiblesse de signal

— A weak signal, typically referring to Wi-Fi, radio, or cellular reception.

Il y a une faiblesse de signal dans la cuisine.

Abus de faiblesse

— A legal term for taking advantage of a vulnerable person's state.

Il a été arrêté pour abus de faiblesse.

Montrer sa faiblesse

— To show one's weakness or vulnerability to others.

Il ne veut pas montrer sa faiblesse.

Un moment de faiblesse

— A temporary lapse in willpower or strength.

C'était juste un moment de faiblesse.

Faiblesse de caractère

— A lack of moral strength or determination.

Sa faiblesse de caractère est un obstacle.

Point faible

— A specific weak point or vulnerability.

Quel est ton point faible ?

Sentir une faiblesse

— To feel a physical sensation of being weak or faint.

Elle a senti une faiblesse et s'est assise.

Faiblesse des preuves

— The weakness or insufficiency of evidence in a case.

La faiblesse des preuves a surpris le juge.

Often Confused With

faiblesse vs faible

Faible is the adjective (weak), while faiblesse is the noun (weakness). You say 'Il est faible' but 'C'est sa faiblesse'.

faiblesse vs défaillance

Défaillance is a sudden failure or breakdown, whereas faiblesse is a general state of being weak.

faiblesse vs manque

Manque means a total lack of something, while faiblesse means something is present but not strong enough.

Idioms & Expressions

"Avoir un faible pour quelqu'un"

— To have a crush on someone or a strong preference for them. Very similar to 'avoir une faiblesse pour'.

Il a un faible pour sa voisine.

informal

"Le talon d'Achille"

— An idiom meaning a person's only, but fatal, weakness. Used in French just like in English.

L'orgueil est son talon d'Achille.

literary

"Prendre quelqu'un par ses faiblesses"

— To influence someone by exploiting their specific vulnerabilities.

Elle sait comment le prendre par ses faiblesses.

neutral

"La chair est faible"

— An idiom (biblical origin) implying that human willpower is often defeated by physical desires.

Je voulais faire un régime, mais la chair est faible.

common

"C'est son côté faible"

— That is his/her weak side or area where they are least capable.

Les langues étrangères, c'est son côté faible.

neutral

"Battre en brèche une faiblesse"

— To vigorously attack or exploit a weakness (often in an argument).

L'avocat a battu en brèche la faiblesse du témoignage.

formal

"Se laisser aller à la faiblesse"

— To give in to weakness or temptation.

Ne vous laissez pas aller à la faiblesse.

neutral

"Une faiblesse de cœur"

— Can mean a physical heart condition or, metaphorically, a tendency to be too kind or easily moved.

Sa faiblesse de cœur le rend très généreux.

neutral

"Jouer sur la faiblesse de quelqu'un"

— To manipulate someone by using their weaknesses.

Il joue sur la faiblesse de ses concurrents.

neutral

"Toucher la corde sensible"

— Related idiom meaning to touch a sensitive spot or a weakness that causes an emotional reaction.

En parlant de son enfance, il a touché la corde sensible.

neutral

Easily Confused

faiblesse vs affaiblissement

Both relate to being weak.

Affaiblissement is the process of becoming weaker, while faiblesse is the state of being weak.

L'affaiblissement de sa vue l'inquiète.

faiblesse vs fragilité

Both imply a lack of strength.

Fragilité implies something is delicate and easily broken; faiblesse implies a lack of power or resistance.

La fragilité de la porcelaine.

faiblesse vs lâcheté

Both can describe moral failure.

Lâcheté is specifically cowardice, which is a much harsher judgment than faiblesse.

Sa lâcheté l'a empêché d'aider son ami.

faiblesse vs mollesse

Both describe a lack of firmness.

Mollesse is often used critically to describe a lack of energy or drive in a person's character.

Il agit avec trop de mollesse.

faiblesse vs décrépitude

Both relate to physical weakness.

Décrépitude is an extreme state of decay or weakness, usually due to old age or neglect.

La décrépitude de ce vieux château.

Sentence Patterns

C'est ma [adjectif] faiblesse.

C'est ma seule faiblesse.

J'ai une faiblesse pour [nom].

J'ai une faiblesse pour les chats.

Il a ressenti une [adjectif] faiblesse.

Il a ressenti une faiblesse soudaine.

La faiblesse de [nom] est [nom].

La faiblesse de l'argument est sa logique.

Faire preuve de faiblesse.

Il a fait preuve de faiblesse face à la pression.

Une faiblesse inhérente à [nom].

Une faiblesse inhérente à la nature humaine.

Succomber à une faiblesse.

Elle a succombé à une faiblesse passagère.

Ne pas montrer sa faiblesse.

Il ne faut pas montrer sa faiblesse.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Common in both spoken and written French.

Common Mistakes

Using 'le faiblesse'. → la faiblesse
Faiblesse is a feminine noun because of its '-esse' suffix. Always use feminine articles and adjectives.
Saying 'C'est mon faiblesse'. → C'est ma faiblesse
Possessive adjectives must agree with the noun. Since 'faiblesse' is feminine, use 'ma', 'ta', or 'sa'.
Writing 'faiblese' with one 's'. → faiblesse
A single 's' between vowels is pronounced /z/. You need 'ss' to maintain the /s/ sound.
Using 'faiblesse' for a machine breaking down. → défaillance
Faiblesse is a state of being weak; a sudden mechanical failure is a 'défaillance'.
Pronouncing 'ai' as 'ay'. → /fɛ.blɛs/
The 'ai' should be an open 'e' sound, like in 'met'.

Tips

Gender Memory

Remember that '-esse' nouns are feminine. Associate 'faiblesse' with 'la princesse' to remember the gender and the double 's'.

Soft Spots

Use 'avoir une faiblesse pour' to describe your hobbies or favorite foods. it's a great way to sound more like a native speaker.

Short 'ai'

Keep the 'ai' sound short and open. Don't let it turn into a long vowel like 'A'. Think of the word 'fête'.

Double S

Always use two 's' characters. A single 's' between vowels in French sounds like 'z', which would change the word completely.

Humanizing

In a job interview, if asked for a 'faiblesse', use the term 'axe d'amélioration' to sound more professional and growth-oriented.

State vs. Event

Use 'faiblesse' for a general state. For a sudden failure, use 'défaillance'. For a total absence, use 'manque'.

The Flesh is Weak

Use the phrase 'la chair est faible' humoristically when you can't resist a temptation, like a second dessert.

Knowledge Gaps

If you're talking about school or learning, 'lacune' is often better than 'faiblesse' for describing things you don't know well.

Ending Sounds

Pay attention to the final 's' sound. If you don't hear it, the speaker might be saying 'faible' (the adjective).

Literary Flaws

In French literature, 'faiblesse' is often the key to a character's humanity. Don't view it as purely negative.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of the English word 'feeble'. 'Faible' is 'feeble'. 'Faiblesse' is the state of being 'feeble-ness'.

Visual Association

Imagine a person trying to lift a heavy weight but their arms are shaking. That shaking is their 'faiblesse'. Or imagine a person looking at a giant chocolate bar with a halo over it—their 'faiblesse'.

Word Web

faible force chocolat santé caractère moment signal point

Challenge

Try to write three sentences about yourself: one about a physical weakness (e.g., after exercise), one about a character weakness (e.g., procrastination), and one about a food you have a weakness for.

Word Origin

The word 'faiblesse' comes from the Old French 'foblesce' or 'feiblesce'. It is constructed from the adjective 'faible' and the suffix '-esse'. The adjective 'faible' itself stems from the Latin 'flebilis', which originally meant 'lamentable' or 'wretched' (from 'flere', to weep).

Original meaning: Originally, it carried a sense of being 'pitiable' or 'unfortunate' due to a lack of strength or means.

Romance (Latin root).

Cultural Context

Be careful when using 'faiblesse' to describe people with disabilities; use more modern and respectful terms like 'situation de handicap' or 'fragilité' depending on the context.

In English, 'weakness' can sometimes sound very negative. In French, 'avoir une faiblesse pour' is often used quite charmingly to describe a passion or a hobby.

The legal term 'Abus de faiblesse' is a frequent theme in French news and crime dramas (e.g., the Bettencourt case). Classical French plays by Racine often depict characters destroyed by a single moral 'faiblesse'. The proverb 'La chair est faible' is widely known and used.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Health and Medicine

ressentir une faiblesse
faiblesse musculaire
faiblesse cardiaque
état de faiblesse

Personality and Emotions

ma seule faiblesse
faiblesse de caractère
moment de faiblesse
avoir une faiblesse pour

Business and Strategy

faiblesse du marché
faiblesse structurelle
analyser les faiblesses
point faible

Technology and Physics

faiblesse du signal
faiblesse de la structure
faiblesse de batterie
point de faiblesse

Law

abus de faiblesse
faiblesse des preuves
état de vulnérabilité
victime de faiblesse

Conversation Starters

"Quelle est ta plus grande faiblesse quand tu fais les courses ?"

"As-tu une faiblesse pour un plat français en particulier ?"

"Est-ce que tu penses que montrer sa faiblesse est une bonne chose ?"

"Quelle est la principale faiblesse de ce film, selon toi ?"

"As-tu déjà ressenti une grande faiblesse après un effort physique ?"

Journal Prompts

Décris un moment de faiblesse que tu as eu récemment et ce que tu as appris.

Quelles sont les faiblesses que tu aimerais transformer en forces ?

Parle d'une personne qui a une faiblesse pour quelque chose d'insolite.

Analyse les faiblesses de ton organisation personnelle actuelle.

Pourquoi est-il parfois difficile d'avouer ses faiblesses aux autres ?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Yes, 'faiblesse' is a feminine noun. This is true regardless of who or what it describes. You always say 'la faiblesse' or 'une faiblesse'. This is a common rule for French nouns ending in '-esse', such as 'la tristesse' (sadness) or 'la sagesse' (wisdom).

You can say 'J'ai une faiblesse pour le chocolat'. This is a very natural and common idiomatic expression in French. It suggests that you can't resist chocolate because you like it so much. You could also say 'J'ai un faible pour le chocolat', which is slightly more informal.

Yes, it is very common to say 'une faiblesse de signal' or 'le signal est faible'. If you are describing the state of the connection, 'la faiblesse du signal' is perfectly correct. You might say 'La faiblesse du Wi-Fi m'empêche de travailler'.

A 'défaut' is a general flaw or fault (like being messy). A 'faiblesse' is a specific lack of strength or resistance. Often, a 'faiblesse' can be a 'défaut', but 'faiblesse' implies a vulnerability or a moment where one gives in to something.

It is a very specific legal term in France. It refers to the crime of exploiting someone who is vulnerable due to age, illness, or psychological state. You will see it often in news reports or legal contexts, but it's less common in casual daily conversation unless discussing a specific case.

The 'ai' is pronounced as an open 'e' sound, like the 'e' in the English word 'met' or 'bed'. It is represented by the IPA symbol /ɛ/. Avoid pronouncing it like 'ay' as in 'day'.

Absolutely. If you feel faint or lack energy, you can say 'Je ressens une faiblesse' or 'J'ai une sensation de faiblesse'. It is a common way to describe physical fatigue to a doctor or a friend.

It means a 'moment of weakness'. It's used when someone does something they normally wouldn't do because they lacked willpower at that specific time, like eating a cookie while on a diet or telling a secret they promised to keep.

The plural is 'faiblesses'. You simply add an 's' at the end. For example, 'Il doit travailler sur ses faiblesses' (He needs to work on his weaknesses).

Yes, the most common are 'affaiblir' (to weaken someone or something) and 'faiblir' (to become weak or to flag). For example, 'Le vent commence à faiblir' (The wind is starting to die down).