weak-spirited

A person feels weak-spirited when facing a difficult challenge.

Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Lacking courage or resolve: "weak-spirited" describes a person who is timid, easily discouraged, or lacks the mental fortitude to face challenges or adversity.
   • Easily influenced or submissive: It can also refer to someone who is overly compliant or yielding under pressure, without the strength to assert their own will.

Usage Examples

• (He lacked the courage to defend his principles.)
• (Her lack of resolve made the situation worse.)

Advanced Usage

• "weak-spirited compliance": a phrase used to describe someone who obeys without question due to timidity.
  • The weak-spirited compliance of the staff allowed the manager to impose unreasonable rules. (Their lack of courage prevented them from objecting.)

Variants and Related Words

• Weak-spiritedness (noun): the quality or state of being weak-spirited.
  • His weak-spiritedness was evident when he avoided every difficult conversation. (His lack of courage was clear.)
• Weak (adj): lacking physical or mental strength (a broader term).
  • She felt weak after the long illness. (Lacking physical strength.)
• Spirited (adj): full of energy, courage, or determination (the opposite of weak-spirited).
  • A spirited debate ensued over the new policy. (A lively and determined discussion.)

Synonyms

• Timid: showing a lack of courage or confidence; easily frightened.
• Cowardly: lacking bravery; unwilling to face danger or pain.
• Spineless: lacking determination or strength of character.

Related Idioms

• "To have no backbone": to lack courage or firmness of character.
  • He has no backbone; he agrees with whoever speaks last. (He is weak-spirited and easily swayed.)
• "To be a pushover": to be easily defeated, influenced, or persuaded.
  • Don't be a pushover; stand your ground. (Don't be weak-spirited and give in.)