half-ass

verb

ˈhaf-ˈas How to pronounce half-ass (audio)
ˈhäf-ˈäs
half-assed; half-assing; half-asses

transitive verb

slang, often vulgar
: to do (something) poorly due to lack of care or effort
In moments where you see your son half-assing something, it's important to call him out to ensure he's putting forth his best effort.Chris Illuminati

Word History

First Known Use

1954, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of half-ass was in 1954

Dictionary Entries Near half-ass

Cite this Entry

“Half-ass.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/half-ass. Accessed 24 Apr. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!