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weak link
/wiːk lɪŋk/
vulnerable point
The security system had a weak link that hackers exploited.
The weak link refers to the vulnerable part of the system that was attacked.
general
A vulnerable or unreliable part of a system, process, or chain that can cause failure or compromise security.
In supply chain management, a weak link can disrupt the entire operation.
A weak link in the supply chain can cause delays or failures in the entire process.
The team's weak link was their lack of communication during critical moments.
The weak link here refers to the poor communication that led to problems.
Often used in contexts like security, business, or teamwork to identify a critical flaw.
Collocations
identify the weak linkto find the vulnerable partstrengthen the weak linkto fix or improve the vulnerable part
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Usage in Security
In cybersecurity, a weak link often refers to a vulnerability in a system that can be exploited by attackers.
Gold Rule
Avoid Overuse
While useful, overusing 'weak link' can make your language repetitive. Vary with synonyms like 'vulnerable point'.
Word Origin
Derived from the literal meaning of 'weak' (lacking strength) and 'link' (a connection or part of a chain). The phrase emphasizes a part that is prone to failure.
Usage Notes
Commonly used in technical, business, and security contexts to describe a part of a system that is at risk.
Word Breakdown
weak
lacking strength or reliability
adjectivelink
a part of a chain or system
nounEnglish Dictionary