wishy-washy

[ wish-ee-wosh-ee, -waw-shee ]

adjective

1. lacking in decisiveness; without strength or character; irresolute.
2. washy or watery, as a liquid; thin and weak.

wishy-washy

/ ˈwɪʃɪˌwɒʃɪ /

adjective

1. lacking in substance, force, colour, etc
2. watery; thin

Derived Forms

• ˈwishy-ˌwashiness, noun
• ˈwishy-ˌwashily, adverb

Other Words From

• wishy-washi·ly adverb
• wishy-washi·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of wishy-washy¹

First recorded in 1685–95; gradational compound based on washy

Example Sentences

Trump is very wishy-washy on the issue of women's rights, so it's hard to pin him down on any stance.

From BBC

She believes wellness culture has become culty in its own right, with wishy-washy aspects from different belief systems amalgamated into social media-friendly idioms.

From Los Angeles Times

Prior to standing firmly behind a states-decide position, Trump had been notoriously wishy-washy in his stance on abortion policy.

From Salon

And while I don't love Harris, and I think she's very wishy-washy, she does not pose an existential threat to America like he does.

From BBC

Hopefully Harris will be a much better, more forceful, less wishy-washy candidate than when she bombed running for president in 2020.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• indecisive