debilidad
/debiliˈdad/feminine
The English word 'weakness' is translated into Spanish as debilidad or flaqueza.
Meaning: condition of being weak (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| debilidad | /debiliˈdad/ | feminine |
| flaqueza | /flaˈkeθa/ /flaˈkesa/ |
feminine |
Both words refer to the condition of being weak.
Which one should you use?
Flaqueza can be used to indicate weakness in a formal context, particularly for physical weakness.
How does it change in a sentence?
Debilidad is a feminine noun. Its plural form is debilidades. Flaqueza is also a feminine noun, and its plural is flaquezas. If you want to use the adjective 'weak' instead of the noun, use débil.
How do you pronounce it?
/debiliˈdad/
Did you know?
- Spanish speakers use debilidad to describe a 'guilty pleasure'. For instance, a person might have a debilidad for chocolate.
- While debilidad is the standard term for a 'weakness', the word flaqueza is frequently used in religious texts to describe a failure of moral will.
- In Spanish, the concept of being skinny and being weak are linguistically tied. This is why flaqueza is a relative of flaco, the common word for 'skinny'.
Examples in context
- Las mujeres son mi debilidad.Women are my weakness.This sentence shows how to use debilidad to express a personal soft spot.Tatoeba #3120130 by don_ramon, translation #3123421 by chajadan
- John se aprovechó de la debilidad de Bill.John took advantage of Bill's weakness.This sentence uses debilidad to describe taking advantage of a person's vulnerability.Tatoeba #993978 by Shishir, translation #52662 by CN
- Un guerrero asimila su fortaleza y debilidad.The warrior is conscious of both his strength and his weakness.This sentence uses debilidad to contrast weakness with strength.Tatoeba #4988399 by swyter, translation #45742 by CM
- 13 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Elena and Daniel are discussing a common illness during a cold season.
- DanielSiento una gran debilidad en las piernas.I feel a great weakness in my legs.
- ElenaEsa debilidad puede ser por la gripe, Daniel.That weakness might be because of the flu, Daniel.
- DanielEs posible, me siento muy cansado.It is possible, I feel very tired.
- ElenaDeberías descansar para recuperar tus fuerzas.You should rest to recover your strength.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “weakness” translations and entries debilidad, flaqueza, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
