debilidad
/deh-bee-lee-DAHD/
weakness
Illustrating debilidad as a lack of physical strength.
debilidad(noun)
weakness
?lack of physical or mental strength
frailty
?general vulnerability
,flaw
?a defect or shortcoming
📝 In Action
Después de la operación, sentía una gran debilidad en todo el cuerpo.
A2After the operation, he felt great weakness throughout his whole body.
La debilidad de su plan era que no tenían suficiente dinero.
B1The weakness (or flaw) of their plan was that they didn't have enough money.
Ella reconoció la debilidad de su carácter: era demasiado orgullosa.
B2She recognized the weakness of her character: she was too proud.
💡 Grammar Points
Gender Rule
Most Spanish words ending in -dad, like 'debilidad', are feminine. Always use 'la' or 'una' with them.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing with Adjective
Mistake: "Usar 'débilidad' (with accent)."
Correction: The noun form 'debilidad' does not carry an accent mark, although the related adjective 'débil' (weak) does.
Illustrating debilidad as a special fondness or preference for something.
debilidad(noun)
fondness
?a special liking or preference
,soft spot
?an emotional vulnerability toward something
guilty pleasure
?informal context
📝 In Action
Mi única debilidad son los helados de vainilla.
B2My only weakness (or soft spot) is vanilla ice cream.
El director tiene una debilidad por los estudiantes que trabajan duro.
C1The principal has a soft spot for students who work hard.
💡 Grammar Points
Using 'Por'
When you use 'debilidad' to mean 'fondness,' you must use the preposition 'por' (for) to introduce the object of your affection: 'debilidad por [something]'.
⭐ Usage Tips
Expressing Preferences
This is a great, slightly more formal way to talk about your favorite things, often implying you can't resist them, even if you should!
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: debilidad
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'debilidad' to mean 'a special fondness'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'debilidad' and 'flaqueza'?
Both words mean 'weakness' and are often interchangeable. However, 'flaqueza' (which also means 'faintness') is sometimes used specifically to refer to moral or spiritual weaknesses, while 'debilidad' is more common for physical or general shortcomings.