weakling

/'wi:kliɳ/

Thân thiện

A boy is called a weakling because he cannot lift the heavy box.

Definition

Noun: A person who lacks physical strength, courage, or determination; someone perceived as feeble, ineffective, or easily dominated.

Usage

"Weakling" is a noun used to describe a person, often in a critical or derogatory way. It emphasizes a lack of strength, resilience, or forcefulness. It can refer to physical weakness, but more commonly implies a weakness of character, will, or resolve.

Examples

• He was bullied at school for being a weakling.
• Don't be such a weakling; stand up for yourself!
• She dismissed her critics as a bunch of spineless weaklings.

Advanced Usage

• "To prove someone is not a weakling": To demonstrate one's strength or courage, often in response to a challenge or doubt.
  • He ran the marathon to prove to himself he was no weakling.
• Used metaphorically for organizations or systems lacking power.
  • The new regulations treat small businesses as financial weaklings.

Variants and Related Words

• Weak (adj): Lacking strength or power. This is the adjective from which "weakling" is derived.
  • He felt weak after the illness.
• Weakness (n): The state or condition of being weak.
  • His main weakness is his lack of confidence.

Synonyms

• Wimp: (Informal) A weak or cowardly person.
• Milksop: A person who is indecisive and lacking courage.
• Pushover: A person who is easy to overcome or influence.

Antonyms

• Strongman
• Powerhouse
• Tough guy

Idioms and Common Phrases

• "A weakling in a world of giants": Describes someone who is particularly powerless or vulnerable in a competitive or challenging environment.
  • As a new startup, they felt like a weakling in a world of giants.

Học thuật

Noun

1. a person who is physically weak and ineffectual

Từ đồng nghĩa

• doormat
• wuss