weak-kneed

adjective

ˈwēk-ˈnēd How to pronounce weak-kneed (audio)
Definition of weak-kneednext
as in weak
lacking strength of will or character management is too weak-kneed to effectively enforce even a minimal dress code

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of weak-kneed Thankfully, the City Council, not our weak-kneed mayor, has the last say. — Peter L. Markowitz, New York Daily News, 22 Jan. 2025 And that’s been a problem — well, at least for discerning, weak-kneed cosmopolitan viewers like me. — Stephen Rodrick, Rolling Stone, 9 Mar. 2025 Being healthy was culturally coded as being a weak-kneed liberal elite. — Matt Lewis, Washington Post, 14 Jan. 2026 But after stumbling, skier after skier tightened their boots, collected loose skis, and proceeded to do tricks that those of us at the bottom feel weak-kneed to even watch. — Story Hinckley, Christian Science Monitor, 10 Feb. 2026 That NextEra could rack up a string of scandals and still extract multi-billion-dollar rate hikes for FPL stems directly from weak-kneed, inept oversight by the Florida Public Service Commission. — Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 30 May 2026 The steadfast pushback against the administration might appear on the surface to be an encouraging trend, given the complaisance of the Republican majorities in Congress and weak-kneed capitulation to Trump by leaders of institutions such as universities and major corporations. — Los Angeles Times, 5 Feb. 2026 Sadly, Pope Paul VI, who succeeded John XIII, was weak-kneed, while John Paul II and Benedict XVI were conservative revanchists. — R. R. Reno, Foreign Affairs, 13 Nov. 2018
Recent Examples of Synonyms for weak-kneed
  1. weak
  2. weakened
  3. soft
Adjective
  • Following a year of historically weak hiring in 2025, hiring rebounded this spring.
    — Rachel Barber, USA Today, 2 July 2026
  • In a weak free-agency class, centers Robert Williams III (Portland) and Mark Williams (Phoenix) are already off the market, each reportedly agreeing to return to their current teams.
    — Broderick Turner, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2026
Definition of weak
Adjective
  • The bacterium can also lead to hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a serious complication that is more common in young children, older adults and people with weakened immune systems, according to the release.
    — Chiara Kim, PEOPLE, 6 July 2026
  • While anyone can get sick, young children, older adults, pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems are more likely to become seriously ill.
    — Tiffani Jackson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 July 2026
Definition of weakened
Adjective
  • Play soft music to drown out fireworks blasts and give your pet something to do, like putting treats inside an interactive toy, to keep them calm and happy.
    — Sandra McDonald, Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2026
  • This relaxed pick is incredibly soft, really cute, and surprisingly easy to style.
    — Annie Blackman, InStyle, 3 July 2026
Definition of soft

Browse Nearby Words

weakhearted
weak-kneed
weakliness
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Weak-kneed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/weak-kneed. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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