wishy-washy

1 of 2

adjective

ˈwi-shē-ˌwȯ-shē 

-ˌwä-

1

: lacking in character or determination : ineffectual

wishy-washy leadership

2

: lacking in strength or flavor : weak

wishy-washy wines

wishy-washiness noun

wishy-washiness

2 of 2

noun

-shēnə̇s, 

-shin-

: the quality or state of being wishy-washy : insipidity

Synonyms of wishy-washy

Adjective

• bland
• boring
• insipid
• dull
• tiring
• banal
• weak
• milk-and-water
• namby-pamby

Examples of wishy-washy in a Sentence

Adjective

this story is too wishy-washy; you need to add some verve to it

in a time of crisis the nation can ill afford wishy-washy leaders

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

But a late-breaking twist may have set the second season (streaming now on Netflix) free from its wishy-washy roots. — Kelly Lawler, USA Today, 28 May 2026

Someone who’s a little wishy-washy, depending on if the cameras are up, that would definitely be messy Ashley Darby. — Tom Smyth, Vulture, 6 May 2026

Advertisement Mallory’s ruthlessness in the custody fight begins to alarm wishy-washy Karl. — Judy Berman, Time, 20 May 2026

During the fevered sectionalism of the Civil War era, his once-sage ambiguity began to appear wishy-washy. — Christopher Lynch, The Conversation, 1 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

reduplication of washy

First Known Use

Adjective

1693, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for wishy-washy

• higashi
• washy

Kids Definition

wishy-washy

adjective

ˈwish-ē-ˌwȯsh-ē, 

-ˌwäsh-

: lacking spirit, courage, or determination : weak

wishy-washy leadership