spineless

/ˈspaɪnlɪs/

/ˈspaɪnlɪs/

Other forms: spinelessly

If you're spineless, you're weak or cowardly — or both. It would be spineless to watch a bully pick on someone much smaller and not try to intervene.

You can certainly use this adjective to literally mean "lacking a spine," and you might if you're talking about invertebrates like the spineless forest lizard or the Garo spineless eel. It's more common to call people spineless as a derogatory way of commenting on their weakness. A spineless superhero is too scared to confront the bad guys, and a spineless politician avoids conversation with critical constituents.

Definitions of spineless

1. adjective

   weak in willpower, courage or vitality
   synonyms: gutless, namby-pamby, wishy-washy

   weak

   wanting in physical strength
2. adjective

   lacking spiny processes
   “spineless fins”

   antonyms:

   spinous

   having spines
3. adjective

   lacking a backbone or spinal column
   synonyms: invertebrate
4. adjective

   lacking thorns
   synonyms: thornless

   unarmed

   (used of plants or animals) lacking barbs or stings or thorns