lame duck

lame duck

noun

Definition of LAME DUCK

1

: one that is weak or that falls behind in ability or achievement; especially chiefly British : an ailing company

2

: an elected official or group continuing to hold political office during the period between the election and the inauguration of a successor

3

: one whose position or term of office will soon end

— lame–duck \ˈlām-ˈdək\ adjective

Examples of LAME DUCK

1. The President was a lame duck during the end of his second term.

First Known Use of LAME DUCK

1761