Heikkous

Heikkous is a Finnish noun meaning weakness, frailty, or deficiency. It can describe physical weakness or fatigue, but it also covers non-physical domains such as limitations in performance, skill, or resilience. In broader use, it can refer to moral or ethical weakness as well as structural or systemic shortcomings.

Etymology and form: Heikkous is formed from the adjective heikko, meaning weak, with the suffix -us to create an abstract noun. This pattern is common in Finnish to derive nouns that denote a quality or state. The base word heikko belongs to the same semantic field as vahvuus (strength).

Usage and contexts: In medical contexts, heikkous often appears in phrases like yleinen heikkous to denote a general sense of fatigue or lack of strength. In sports or physical fitness, it can describe deficiencies in performance or endurance. In everyday language or literature, it may refer to moral or psychological weakness, such as a lack of willpower or resolve, depending on the context. The term is typically contrasted with vahvuus, which denotes strength or robustness.

See also: vahvuus, kestävyys, jaksaminen. In linguistic usage, related abstract nouns formed with -us include other state-like qualities derived from Finnish adjectives.

Notes: Heikkous is a standard, neutral term in Finnish and is used across formal and informal registers. Depending on context, more specific phrases may be used to clarify the type of weakness being referred to (physical, cognitive, moral, or structural).