as in weak
lacking strength of will or character
management is too weak-kneed to effectively enforce even a minimal dress code
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Recent Examples of weak-kneed
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
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
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
Being healthy was culturally coded as being a weak-kneed liberal elite.
—
Matt Lewis,
Washington Post,
14 Jan. 2026
And that’s been a problem — well, at least for discerning, weak-kneed cosmopolitan viewers like me.
—
Stephen Rodrick,
Rolling Stone,
9 Mar. 2025
Thankfully, the City Council, not our weak-kneed mayor, has the last say.
—
Peter L. Markowitz,
New York Daily News,
22 Jan. 2025
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
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board,
Sun Sentinel,
30 May 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
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
Being healthy was culturally coded as being a weak-kneed liberal elite.
—
Matt Lewis,
Washington Post,
14 Jan. 2026
And that’s been a problem — well, at least for discerning, weak-kneed cosmopolitan viewers like me.
—
Stephen Rodrick,
Rolling Stone,
9 Mar. 2025
Thankfully, the City Council, not our weak-kneed mayor, has the last say.
—
Peter L. Markowitz,
New York Daily News,
22 Jan. 2025
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
Adjective
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Following a year of historically weak hiring in 2025, hiring rebounded this spring.
-
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.
Adjective
-
And while Creger still thought the bill was positive, she was disappointed to see the weakened language around adding lanes to highways.
-
The weakened plants are more susceptible to insects and disease pests.
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.
-
This relaxed pick is incredibly soft, really cute, and surprisingly easy to style.
Cite this Entry
“Weak-kneed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/weak-kneed. Accessed 4 Jul. 2026.
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