Definition
弱势 (ruò shì) refers to a disadvantaged or vulnerable state, often used for groups or positions (e.g., 弱势群体 'vulnerable groups'). It contrasts with 劣势 (liè shì), which is a specific inferior position in a competition or comparison, and with 弱点/弱项 (ruò diǎn/ruò xiàng), which are personal weaknesses or shortcomings.
noun
vulnerabledisadvantaged (position or group)
Easily confused
- 若是ruò shìsound-alikeif (formal, literary)
Examples
- 弱势。Shèhuì yīhuì yīnggāi duō guānzhù ruò shì qúntǐ.Society should pay more attention to vulnerable groups.
- ,弱势。Zài zhè cì tánpàn zhōng, wǒ fāng chǔyú ruò shì.In this negotiation, our side is in a weak position.
- 弱势。Gōngsī chūtái zhèngcè fúchí ruò shì bùmén.The company introduced policies to support disadvantaged departments.
Browse more HSK 7-9 words or search the full 43,000-word dictionary.