Chinese word

弱势

Pronunciation

Pinyinruò shì

Meaning

  • noundisadvantage

Example

如果我们继续这样，就会变成弱势。rú guǒ wǒ men jì xù zhè yàng jiù huì biàn chéng ruò shì

If we keep this up, we will end up at a disadvantage.

Illustration for 弱势 (disadvantage)

More examples

在市场竞争中，小企业常常处于弱势。zài shì chǎng jìng zhēng zhōng xiáo qǐ yè cháng cháng chǔ yú ruò shì

In market competition, small businesses are often in a weak position.

Core concept

An unequal position where limited strength or access leaves less room to act.

Common phrases

  • 处于弱势chǔ yú ruò shì

    be in a weak position

  • 陷入弱势xiàn rù ruò shì

    fall into a weak position

  • 摆脱弱势bǎi tuō ruò shì

    break free from a weak position

Similar words

劣势liè shì: A position that puts someone at a disadvantage during competition or conflict.
逆境nì jìng: A painful situation caused by hardship and unfavorable conditions.
短处duǎn chù: A shortcoming or weak part of a person's skills or qualities.

Definition in Chinese

在力量、资源、话语权等方面处于劣势的一方，也可指社会上资源较少或处境脆弱的群体。zài lì liàng zī yuán huà yǔ quán děng fāng miàn chǔ yú liè shì de yì fāng yě kě zhǐ shè huì shàng zī yuán jiào shǎo huò chǔ jìng cuì ruò de qún tǐ

Word origin

弱势 (ruòshì, "weak position") joins 弱 (ruò, "weak") and 势 (shì, "force or position") to portray a weaker standing within a larger situation.

Usage tips

  • In everyday Chinese, the word can describe both a temporary position and a broader social condition, with the surrounding context showing how long the disadvantage lasts.

Other meanings

  • disadvantageousadjective
  • weak positionnoun

Opposites

Related words

  • 弱势群体ruò shì qún tǐdisadvantaged groupnoun
  • 弱势地位ruò shì dì wèidisadvantaged positionnoun

Word lists with this word