strengthnesses

[Parergon]

strengthnesses - I was just wondering whether "strengthnesses" is a fully English word or a sort of uncorrect made up word.

Could you say "(their) weaknesses and strengthnesses"?

 

[panjandrum]

Strengths, please, not strengthnesses.

 

[Parergon]

Thanks for your prompt answer; what about "weaknesses"?

 

[difficult cuss]

Weaknesses is correct. There is no "..ness" form for strong, whereas there is for weak.
Please note that it is INcorrect, not UNcorrect.

 

[winklepicker]

Thanks for your prompt answer; what about "weaknesses"?

"Strengths and weaknesses". (For some reason, strengths normally comes first in this very common phrase. The other's not wrong - just less usual.)

 

[panjandrum]

Weaknesses is OK.

You are looking for a noun.

Many adjectives form nouns by adding -ness.
Weak is one of them: weak -> weakness.
Strong is not: strong -> strongness strong -> strength.
To add -ness to strength is a silly as adding -ness to weakness -> weaknessness.