Definition

1. Noun:
   • An imperfection or defectiveness: The quality of being flawed, weak, or unsatisfactory, often in a non-physical context such as an argument, excuse, or story.
   • Disability of walking due to crippling of the legs or feet: A physical condition causing impaired or abnormal gait, such as a limp.

Examples of Usage

• Noun (Imperfection/Defectiveness):
  • The lameness of his excuse was obvious to everyone.
  • Critics pointed out the lameness of the film's plot.
• Noun (Walking Disability):
  • The horse's lameness required immediate veterinary attention.
  • An old injury was the cause of his persistent lameness.

Advanced Usage

• "to plead lameness": To offer lameness as an excuse or reason, often for not doing something.
  • He pleaded lameness to avoid the long walk.

Variants and Related Words

• Lame (adj): 1. Unable to walk normally because of an injury or defect in a leg or foot. 2. Weak or unsatisfactory.
  • A lame horse.
  • A lame joke.
• Lamely (adv): In a weak or unconvincing manner.
  • He lamely tried to explain his absence.

Synonyms

• Imperfection: Flaw, weakness, defect.
• Walking Disability: Limp, hobble, disability.

Related Phrases

• "to be lame": To have a physical disability affecting walking, or to be unconvincing/poor in quality.
  • The dog is lame in its hind leg.
  • That idea is just lame.

Noun

1. an imperfection or defectiveness
   • a stylist noted for the lameness of his plots
2. disability of walking due to crippling of the legs or feet