strength

noun

ˈstreŋ(k)th  ˈstren(t)th 

plural strengths ˈstreŋ(k)ths 

ˈstren(t)ths,

ˈstreŋks

1

: the quality or state of being strong : capacity for exertion or endurance

2

: power to resist force : solidity, toughness

3

: power of resisting attack : impregnability

4

a

: legal, logical, or moral force

b

: a strong attribute or inherent asset

the strengths and the weaknesses of the book are evident

5

a

: degree of potency of effect or of concentration

chili peppers in varying strengths

b

: intensity of light, color, sound, or odor

c

: vigor of expression

6

: force as measured in numbers : effective numbers of any body or organization

an army at full strength

7

: one regarded as embodying or affording force or firmness : support

you are my love and my strength

8

: maintenance of or a rising tendency in a price level : firmness of prices

the strength of the dollar

9

: basis

—used in the phrase on the strength of

Phrases

from strength to strength

: vigorously forward : from one high point to the next

Synonyms

• energy
• firepower
• force
• horsepower
• might
• muscle
• potence
• potency
• power
• puissance
• sinew
• vigor

Choose the Right Synonym for strength

power, force, energy, strength, might mean the ability to exert effort.

power may imply latent or exerted physical, mental, or spiritual ability to act or be acted upon.

the awesome power of flowing water

force implies the actual effective exercise of power.

used enough force to push the door open

energy applies to power expended or capable of being transformed into work.

a worker with boundless energy

strength applies to the quality or property of a person or thing that makes possible the exertion of force or the withstanding of strain, pressure, or attack.

use weight training to build your strength

might implies great or overwhelming power or strength.

the belief that might makes right

Examples of strength in a Sentence

I was impressed by his strength.

She's doing exercises to build up the strength in her legs.

Don't work too hard. You need to conserve your strength for tomorrow.

Pull-ups increase upper body strength.

Working on a farm requires a lot of physical strength.

the strength and durability of the material

I pray that I'll have the strength to do what I have to do.

His determination shows real strength of character.

Her inner strength is an inspiration to us all.

Recent Examples on the Web

Both can work, but each brings different strengths. —Jodie Cook, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024

Uranus has methane, too—more, in fact—but the strength of its blue is diluted by haze in its upper atmosphere. —Shi En Kim, Smithsonian Magazine, 5 Nov. 2024

But veteran analysts note that the US economy’s long-term strength has empirically transcended any single election or administration. —Nicole Goodkind, CNN, 5 Nov. 2024

By removing those obstacles, scholars say, Trump 2.0 would test the strength and fragility of American democracy, threatening to dismantle the separation of powers that has defined U.S. governance since the nation’s founding. —Eric Cortellessa, TIME, 5 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English strengthe, from Old English strengthu; akin to Old High German strengi strong — more at strong

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing strength

• at full strength
• at half strength
• gather momentum/strength
• go from strength to strength
• industrial-strength
• in strength
• not know one's own strength
• on the strength of
• pillar of strength
• position of strength
• strength in numbers
• strength of purpose
• strength of will
• strength training
• tensile strength
• there is strength in numbers
• tower of strength
• with all one's strength

Kids Definition

strength

noun

ˈstreŋ(k)th 

1

: the quality or state of being strong

2

: power to resist force

3

: power to resist attack

4

a

: the power to have an effect

b

: degree of concentration

the strength of a liquid cleaner

c

: intensity of light, color, sound, or odor

5

: a strong quality

list the strengths and weaknesses of the book

6

: force as measured in numbers

army at full strength

7

: something or someone providing force or firmness : support entry 2

her family was her strength

Medical Definition

strength

noun

ˈstreŋ(k)th  ˈstren(t)th 

plural strengths ˈstreŋ(k)ths, ˈstren(t)ths, ˈstreŋks 

1

: the quality or state of being strong : capacity for exertion or endurance

2

: degree of potency of effect or of concentration

3

: degree of ionization of a solution

—used of acids and bases