What Does Weak Mean?
Weak is an adjective meaning lacking physical strength, not strong, or not convincing. It is the opposite of strong.
Weak functions as a adjective.
What Does Week Mean?
A week is a noun meaning a period of seven days, typically from Sunday to Saturday or Monday to Sunday.
Week functions as a noun.
Weak vs Week: Key Differences
| Weak | Week |
|---|---|
| Lacking strength or effectiveness | A seven-day period |
| Adjective | Noun |
| "A weak signal" | "Next week" |
Examples of Weak in a Sentence
- He felt weak after the flu.
- The argument was too weak to convince anyone.
- The coffee was weak and tasteless.
- A chain is only as strong as its weakest link.
Examples of Week in a Sentence
- The project deadline is next week.
- She exercises three times a week.
- It took two weeks to finish painting the house.
- What day of the week is your birthday?
How to Remember the Difference
Weak has "eak" like "peak" performance (or lack of it). Week has two e's like the two weekends that bookend a week.
Common Mistakes
| Incorrect | Correct | Why |
|---|---|---|
| I'll see you next weak. | I'll see you next week. | Seven days is a 'week.' |
| Her knees felt week after the run. | Her knees felt weak after the run. | Lacking strength is 'weak.' |
| The WiFi signal is too week. | The WiFi signal is too weak. | Low strength uses 'weak.' |
If you are unsure which word fits, try Rephrasely's free grammar checker to catch errors instantly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a 'weekday' vs 'weekend'?
A weekday is Monday through Friday. The weekend is Saturday and Sunday. Both words use 'week' because they describe parts of the seven-day period.
Can 'weak' describe a person's character?
Yes. A 'weak' person can mean someone who lacks willpower, courage, or moral strength, not just physical strength.
Why do 'weak' and 'week' sound the same?
They come from different Old English roots ('wac' for weak, 'wice' for week) that converged in pronunciation over centuries while keeping distinct spellings and meanings.