lame duck

noun

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 adjective

Examples of lame duck in a Sentence

The President was a lame duck during the end of his second term.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
President Lai also runs the risk of being viewed as a lame duck if recall votes as a tactical approach continue to be defeated. Earl Carr, Forbes.com, 27 July 2025 Whitmer and recalcitrant lawmakers deserve an equal share of the blame for the lame duck flameout. M.l. Elrick, Freep.com, 23 July 2025 With just 19 months left in his second and final term, the lame duck governor is scrambling to cement his gubernatorial legacy while also positioning himself as a pragmatic leader capable of steering his national party out of the wilderness. Julia Wick, Los Angeles Times, 5 June 2025 But when the commission’s reports were finally available, Taft was in the unfortunate position of being a lame duck and could do little besides emphasize the need for further action. Laura Ellyn Smith, The Conversation, 9 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for lame duck

Word History

First Known Use

1761, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of lame duck was in 1761

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Cite this Entry

“Lame duck.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lame%20duck. Accessed 31 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

lame duck

noun
: an elected official continuing to hold office until a successor takes office

More from Merriam-Webster on lame duck

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