Gyengepont

Gyengepont is a Hungarian term meaning a point of weakness or vulnerability in a system, object, or argument. It is used in both technical and everyday language to describe where a failure, breach, or collapse is most likely to occur.

In engineering and materials science, a gyengepont refers to locations where stresses concentrate or where design flaws increase the likelihood of failure. Common causes include geometric discontinuities such as holes, notches, sharp corners, or abrupt cross-section changes, as well as material defects, corrosion, or fatigue under cyclic loading. The study of weak points involves assessing stress distribution and applying fracture mechanics concepts. Designers mitigate gyengeponts by adding fillets, increasing cross-sections, selecting more suitable materials, or introducing redundancy and safety factors. Non-destructive testing and finite element analysis are among the tools used to identify potential weak points.

In security and risk management, a gyengepont is a vulnerability in a system, network, process, or procedure that can be exploited by an attacker or lead to an adverse outcome. In sports, defense, or strategic planning, recognizing an opponent’s weak points informs tactics and decision-making.

In general usage, the term is often used metaphorically to describe vulnerable elements of plans, organizations, or arguments. Identifying and reinforcing gyengeponts is central to improving reliability, safety, and resilience across disciplines.