weak-kneed

[ week-need ]

adjective

1. yielding readily to opposition, pressure, intimidation, etc.

weak-kneed

adjective

1. informal.
   yielding readily to force, persuasion, intimidation, etc

Derived Forms

• ˌweak-ˈkneedly, adverb
• ˌweak-ˈkneedness, noun

Other Words From

• weak-kneedly adverb
• weak-kneedness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of weak-kneed¹

First recorded in 1860–65

Example Sentences

It seemed, at the time, a politically wise move for someone considering a future run for president and wanting to avoid the weak-kneed image that had plagued Democrats since the Vietnam War era.

From Los Angeles Times

In the appearance vs. reality debate, the Democrats are finally understanding they need to destroy the appearance that Trump is a strong man and expose him for the weak-kneed charlatan that he is.

From Salon

Ohtani has the most weak-kneed and worthless advisors in the history of advisors.

From Los Angeles Times

With the meeting Thursday, Mr. Macron hoped to find some unity on bolstering support for Ukraine or, short of that, to expose opponents who in his view remain too weak-kneed or servile to Moscow.

From New York Times

“You’ve gone weak-kneed on this,” said Sen. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts, a longtime Powell critic.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• afraid
• agitated
• anxious
• frightened
• hesitant
• jittery
• nervous
• panicky
• scared
• shy
• skittish
• tense
• timid
• uneasy