'Weak’ vs ‘Week’: What’s the Difference?

If you need to know the difference between 'weak' vs. 'week,' you are in luck!

Here is a quick answer in case you are pressed for time: 

• 'Weak' is an adjective that describes something as lacking physical strength. 
• 'Week' is a noun that refers to a 7-day cycle used on the calendar that includes days Monday through Sunday. 

The short description above will help you quickly decide which of these terms to use. However, there is more to learn. So, keep reading!

What is the Difference Between 'Weak' vs. 'Week?'

'Weak' and 'week' are homonyms, which means that they sound the same, but have different meanings and spellings.

These words also have different parts of speech. So, 'weak' is an adjective. You use it to describe a noun as lacking physical strength or resolve.

'Week' is a noun for a 7-day cycle used on calendars to keep track of time.

There are between four and five weeks in each month for a total of 52 'weeks' in a calendar year.

Definition of 'Weak': What Does 'Weak' Mean?

The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines 'weak' as an adjective that means:

• Lacking strength
• Feeble, debilitated, or deficient in physical strength or vigor
• Unable to sustain or exert excessive pressure, weight, or strain
• Easily nauseated or upset
• Deficient mentally or intellectually
• Unable to withstand persuasion or temptation
• Not logically presented or factually grounded
• Unable to function properly
• Lacking proficiency, knowledge, or skill
• Indicating a lack of aptitude or skill
• Lacking in effect or vigor of expression
• Dilute or lacking in necessary ingredients
• A lack of usual intensity or potency
• Lacking power or political influence
• Impotent or ineffective
• In language, lacking a high degree of stress or emphasis
• Trending toward a lower value or price
• Only slightly ionizing in a solution

Synonyms of 'Weak'

• Disabled
• Weakened
• Faint
• Light
• Frail
• Low
• Tired
• Infirm
• Exhausted
• Softened
• Vulnerable
• Wasted
• Wimpy
• Injured
• Incapacitated
• Fragile
• Delicate
• Softened
• Vulnerable
• Prostrate
• Down-and-out
• Weary
• Effete
• Wimpish
• Sickly
• Sapped
• Drained
• Dizzy
• Groggy
• Hurt
• Challenged
• Lake
• Struggling
• Yielding

Definition of 'Week': What Does 'Week' Mean?

'Week' is a noun defined by the same source as:

• Any series of 7-day cycles used to track time on Calendars
• A seven-day cycle starting on Sunday and ending on Saturday
• A week that is appointed for observing a holiday or cause
• Any consecutive seven days
• A series of 7-day work, school, or business days
• A period of consecutive days for work, school, or business (ie: work week, school week, etc.)
• A period seven days before or after an event

Synonyms of 'Week'

Due to 'week' being such a specific term, there are no synonyms for the term. However, there are some similar terms used to indicate specific periods, for example:

• Second
• Minute
• Hour
• Day
• Month
• Year
• Decade
• Century
• Millenium

Pronunciation: How to Pronounce 'Weak' vs. 'Week'

As I mentioned, these terms have the same pronunciation despite their spelling and meaning differences.

Here is a pronunciation guide for you to reference.

• Use this phonetic spelling to pronounce 'weak':

wēk

• Use this phonetic spelling to pronounce 'week':

wēk

Writing Tips: When and How to Use 'Weak' vs. 'Week'

You learned these terms' definitions, pronunciation, and spellings, but you may still be wondering how to use them in different contexts. So, here are some writing tips.

• Use 'week' when describing a seven-day cycle to track time on a calendar.

For example, you could say:

Where are you going to be the week of the 21st?

• Use 'week' to describe consecutive work, school, or business days.

As an example, I might say:

I am unavailable to meet during the work week but should be free this weekend. 

• Use 'weak' to describe something as being diluted.

So, you might hear someone say something like:

Loyal customers were upset when they discovered the new and improved formula was weak.

• Use 'weak' to say that someone or something lacks resolve.

For example, you can say:

I am weak when saying 'no' to people I love. 

• Use 'weak' to say that someone or something lacks physical strength.

As an example, you might hear me say:

When I started working out with my trainer, I was weak, but I began building muscle and strength after a few months. 

• Use 'weak' to describe something that lacks impact.

So, you could say:

The idea behind the campaign was great, but the message was weak. 

Sample Sentences Using 'Weak' and 'Week'

Read the sample sentences below to ensure that you understand and remember how to use these terms.

Weak

• During our journeys, we found that most hotels offered a complimentary breakfast. However, the coffee and selection of foods were weak at best.
• If you are too weak to complete the physical exam, you will not be allowed into the police academy.
• You will not get admitted into a prestigious college if your test scores are weak.
• If the formula is weak, you must add more active ingredients.

Week

• We went to the festival during the week of the 31st.
• I realized the week was ending tomorrow, and I still have much work to do.
• The school week is often tiring for families with young children.
• Do you have the input for the sales presentations you did this week?

Final Review: 'Weak' vs. 'Week'

We went over a lot of information in this post, so here is a quick review of what you learned about the difference between 'weak' vs. 'week': 

• 'Weak' is an adjective used to describe a noun as lacking physical strength or resolve. 
• 'Week' is a noun for seven consecutive days used on a calendar to track time. 

Hopefully, after reading this post, you will remember the difference between these words and how to use them. However, you can always return to this page to verify if you need a reminder.

You can also use this site to confirm dozens of similar terms' meaning, spelling, and pronunciation. And you can learn ways to improve your freelance writing career by reading the other posts here.

So, look at a few others before you go, and come back often to stay on top of industry trends and best practices.

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