spineless

[ spahyn-lis ]

adjective

1. having no spines or quills.
2. having no spine or backbone.
3. having a weak spine; limp.
4. without moral force, resolution, or courage; feeble:

   a spineless, lily-livered coward.

   Synonyms: indecisive, irresolute, weak

   Antonyms: resolute, strong

spineless

/ ˈspaɪnlɪs /

adjective

1. lacking a backbone; invertebrate
2. having no spiny processes

   spineless stems

3. lacking strength of character, resolution, or courage

Derived Forms

• ˈspinelessly, adverb
• ˈspinelessness, noun

Other Words From

• spineless·ly adverb
• spineless·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of spineless¹

First recorded in 1820–30; spine + -less

Example Sentences

Their revolting lack of ethics, their partisan partiality, and your spineless failure to reign them in suggest that under your watch, the rule of law has become illusory.

From Salon

But they and other invertebrates are the spineless backbones of ecosystems, playing critical roles as pollinators, predators, prey and decomposers.

From New York Times

“As Republican leaders, we have a clear message for mealy-mouthed, spineless leaders: Congress will not tolerate your dereliction of duty to your Jewish students,” said the committee chair, North Carolina Rep. Virginia Foxx.

From Seattle Times

One after another, American institutions have spinelessly bowed to Trump’s power.

From Los Angeles Times

And somewhere in that ecosystem are air puppets like McDaniel — flailing spinelessly about, hoping to monetize the insight they gained from participating in a failed coup.

From Los Angeles Times