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weakling

/ˈwiklɪŋ/
/ˈwiklɪŋ/
IPA guide

Other forms: weaklings

Someone who is either frail or cowardly can be called a weakling. When you're new to rock climbing, you may feel like a total weakling as you attempt to haul yourself up a steep, rocky incline.

Weaklings are people or animals who are weak, either in a physical or mental way. In a litter of piglets, the tiny runt is a weakling, struggling to get enough food to survive alongside its stronger litter mates. Weakling can also be a derogatory way to refer to a person who lacks physical strength or is easily intimidated: "Don't be a weakling — defend yourself against that mean gossip!"

Definitions of weakling
  1. noun
    a person who is physically weak and ineffectual
    synonyms: doormat, wuss
    see moresee less
    types:
    namby-pamby
    an insipid weakling who is foolishly sentimental
    softie, softy
    a person who is weak and excessively sentimental
    chicken, crybaby, wimp
    a person who lacks confidence, is irresolute and wishy-washy
    type of:
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