Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Lacking strength of character, willpower, or resolution; easily intimidated or discouraged. This describes a person who is not firm in their decisions or convictions and gives in easily to pressure, fear, or difficulty.
   • Physically weak in the knees, often from fear or emotion. While less common, it can literally describe a feeling of physical instability in the knees.

Usage

The adjective "weak-kneed" is used attributively (before a noun) or predicatively (after a linking verb like be or seem). It is a critical term implying a lack of courage or steadfastness. - Attributive use: a weak-kneed leader, a weak-kneed policy - Predicative use: He was too weak-kneed to confront them.

Examples

• The committee's weak-kneed response to the crisis disappointed the public.
• Don't be so weak-kneed; you must stand up for your beliefs.
• Facing the angry crowd, he felt suddenly weak-kneed.
• The role of the dissenter is not for the weak-kneed.

Advanced Usage

• "Weak-kneed acceptance/compliance": Uncritically agreeing or going along with something due to a lack of resolve.
  • Their weak-kneed acceptance of the unfair terms cost the company dearly.
• Used in political or social commentary to criticize a lack of decisive action.
  • The editorial accused the government of weak-kneed diplomacy.

Variants and Related Words

• Weak-kneedness (n.): The state or quality of being weak-kneed. (Note: This is a derived noun form, not a standalone common word but used for clarity.)
• Weakness (n.): A more general term for a lack of strength.
• Irrésolute (adj.): A formal synonym meaning uncertain how to act or proceed.

Synonyms

• Irrésolute
• Spineless
• Timid
• Faint-hearted
• Wishy-washy (informal)
• Indecisive

Antonyms

• Strong-willed
• Resolute
• Steadfast
• Courageous
• Unyielding

Related Idioms and Phrases

• To have no backbone/spine: An idiom with a very similar meaning to being weak-kneed, implying a lack of courage or moral strength.
  • The manager has no backbone when dealing with upper management.
• To be pushed around: To be easily controlled or dominated by others, often due to being weak-kneed.
  • He's too weak-kneed and lets himself be pushed around.

Adjective

1. lacking will power or resolution
   • the role of the dissenter is not for the weak-kneed