weakling

noun weak·ling \ ˈwē-kliŋ \

Updated on: 20 Apr 2018

Definition of weakling

: one that is weak in body, character, or mind

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weakling

adjective

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Examples of weakling in a Sentence

he had been a weakling until high school, when he started working out to put on muscle
only a weakling would be willing to lie to save himself from punishment

Recent Examples of weakling from the Web

And what if that kid was a sickly, sensitive weakling?

— kyle orland, Ars Technica, "God of War (2018): How to reinvent a beloved series without ruining what works," 12 Apr. 2018
Angry voices take an extraordinarily complex social, cultural, and political phenomenon, boil it down to preferred progressive policy provisions, and then declare everyone who opposes their ideas a craven weakling in thrall to the NRA.

— david french, National Review, "No, It’s Not Cowardly to Be Conservative on Gun Rights," 15 Feb. 2018
The slate certainly lacks intrigue, with SEC West leaders Alabama and Auburn both taking on weaklings.

— alex martin smith, ajc, "SEC Predictions, Week 12: Can Kentucky upset humbled Georgia?," 16 Nov. 2017
Mr Gandhi, who until recently was widely regarded as a political weakling, has begun offering a steady barrage of acerbic barbs, to growing effect.

— The Economist, "Tax brakeIndia’s previously unstoppable ruling party loses momentum," 2 Nov. 2017
The region is an economic weakling dependent on oil.

— david zucchino, New York Times, "After the Vote, Does the Kurdish Dream of Independence Have a Chance?," 30 Sep. 2017
The Drusilla, soprano Anna Dennis, was an absolute delight, partnered with countertenor Carlo Vistoli as her weakling lover Ottone.

— john von rhein, chicagotribune.com, "Gardiner's Monteverdi cycle concludes with triumphant 'Poppea'," 16 Oct. 2017
Paul Hebron as father James, ruined by success, terrified of poverty, is both a brilliant man and a weakling.

— john timpane, Philly.com, "'Long Day's Journey': The American soul, in darkness," 12 Oct. 2017
Sitting in the back of the classroom full of kids a quarter his age, Jay kvetches about how Odysseus is a lying adulterer, Telemachus an obedient weakling, and Homer simply wrong about love, war and justice.

— giancarlo buonomo, New Republic, "Some People Just Don’t Like The Odyssey," 3 Oct. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'weakling.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.