spineless

/'spainlis/

Thân thiện

A jellyfish is a spineless creature that drifts in the ocean.

Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Lacking a backbone or spinal column: Describes invertebrate animals, those without a vertebral column.
   • Weak in willpower, courage, or vitality: Describes a person who is easily intimidated, lacks determination, or fails to stand up for themselves or their beliefs.

Usage Examples

• Literal (Biological):
  • Jellyfish and worms are spineless creatures.
  • The caterpillar is a spineless invertebrate.
• Figurative (Character):
  • He was too spineless to confront the bully.
  • The manager's spineless response failed to address the problem.
  • Don't be so spineless; you need to state your opinion.

Advanced Usage

• "spineless wonder": (idiomatic, often sarcastic) A person perceived as remarkably weak or cowardly.
  • He agreed to everything they demanded—what a spineless wonder.
• Used to describe actions, decisions, or policies perceived as weak.
  • The committee's spineless compromise pleased no one.
  • It was a spineless surrender to political pressure.

Variants and Related Words

• Spinelessly (adverb): In a weak or cowardly manner.
  • He spinelessly avoided making the difficult decision.
• Spinelessness (noun): The quality or state of being spineless.
  • Her spinelessness in the negotiation cost the company dearly.

Synonyms

• Cowardly: Lacking courage.
• Weak-willed: Easily influenced; lacking firmness of purpose.
• Ineffectual: Not producing any significant or desired effect.
• Gutless: (Informal) Lacking courage or determination.
• Feeble: Weak, lacking strength.
• Wishy-washy: (Informal) Weak, indecisive, or lacking in character.

Antonyms

• Courageous: Brave; not deterred by danger or pain.
• Strong-willed: Having a powerful will; determined.
• Resolute: Admirably purposeful, determined, and unwavering.
• Backboned / Having a backbone: (Figurative) Possessing strength of character.
• Spirited: Full of energy, courage, and determination.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• To have no backbone/spine: To lack courage or firmness of character. (This is a common figurative equivalent).
  • The leader has no backbone and always gives in to the loudest voice.
• To grow a spine: (Imperative/figurative) To become courageous or assertive.
  • He needs to grow a spine and stand up to his critics.

Học thuật

Adjective

1. lacking thorns
2. lacking spiny processes
   • spineless fins
3. lacking a backbone or spinal column
   • worms are an example of invertebrate animals
4. weak in willpower, courage or vitality

Từ đồng nghĩa

• thornless
• invertebrate
• namby-pamby
• gutless
• wishy-washy