weaker

Weaker is the comparative form of the English adjective weak. It is used to describe something that has less strength, power, intensity, or effectiveness relative to something else. For example, a rope may be weaker than another, or a piece of evidence may be weaker in support of a claim.

Grammatically, weaker is formed by adding the suffix -er to the base adjective weak. It can modify nouns directly (a weaker argument) or appear in predicative constructions after a linking verb (The plan is weaker than before). The term can apply to physical properties, as well as to abstract or non-physical domains such as performance, influence, or conviction.

Usage notes and nuance: Weaker can describe comparative inadequacy in various contexts, including durability, resilience, or intensity. It is common in technical, scientific, and everyday language. Care should be taken not to imply absolute weakness; the term is relative to a specified baseline or comparison.

Historical and social context: The phrase "the weaker sex" has appeared in English literature but is now widely regarded as outdated and gender-biased. Modern usage typically avoids this or uses more precise phrasing that does not stereotype.

Etymology: The word weaker derives from the adjective weak, formed with the standard comparative suffix -er. Weak itself comes from Old English wæc, related to Proto-Germanic *wakaz, and through it to other Germanic languages.