limp

¹

[limp]

verb (used without object)

1. to walk with a labored, jerky movement, as when lame.

2. to proceed in a lame, faltering, or labored manner.

   His writing limps from one cliché to another. The old car limped along.

3. to progress slowly and with great difficulty; make little or no advance.

   an economy that limps along at a level just above total bankruptcy.

noun

1. a lame movement or gait.

   The accident left him with a slight limp.

limp

²

[limp]

adjective

limper, limpest 

1. lacking stiffness or firmness, as of substance, fiber, structure, or bodily frame.

   a limp body.

   Synonyms: soft, flaccid, flabby

2. lacking vitality; weary; tired; fatigued.

   Limp with exhaustion, she dropped into the nearest chair.

   Synonyms: weak, feeble

3. without firmness, force, energy, etc., as of character.

   limp, spiritless prose.

   Synonyms: weak, feeble

4. flexible; not stiff or rigid.

   a Bible in a limp leather binding.

limp

¹

/ lɪmp /

verb

1. to walk with an uneven step, esp with a weak or injured leg

2. to advance in a labouring or faltering manner

noun

1. an uneven walk or progress

limp

²

/ lɪmp /

adjective

1. not firm or stiff

2. not energetic or vital

3. (of the binding of a book) not stiffened with boards

Other Word Forms

• limpingly adverb
• limping adjective
• limper noun
• limpness noun
• limply adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of limp¹

1560–70; back formation from obsolete limphault lame; Old English lemphealt limping ( halt ² ); akin to Middle High German limpfen to limp

Origin of limp²

1700–10; perhaps < Scandinavian; compare Icelandic limpa slackness, limpilegur soft, flabby

Word History and Origins

Origin of limp¹

C16: probably a back formation from obsolete limphalt lame, from Old English lemphealt; related to Middle High German limpfen to limp

Origin of limp²

C18: probably of Scandinavian origin; related to Icelandic limpa looseness

Example Sentences

Executives on the lenders' bid team have told the BBC that time is running out for Thames as the longer it limps on, the harder any turnaround becomes.

From BBC

Songwriters’ books of lyrics usually disappoint — the words often turn limp without music and the commentaries can be thin and chest-beating.

From Los Angeles Times

Both clubs are limping into Sunday, but Celtic at least have the comfort of a six-point cushion at the top of the Premiership.

From BBC

According to reports from a journalist at the track, Muniz was seen limping into an ambulance after a hard hit from behind, but escaped major injury.

From Los Angeles Times

Voters here are concerned with policies that affect their water supply and forests, given that the timber industry limps along here and fires have ravaged the area in recent years.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• falter 
• hobble 
• hop 
• shuffle 
• stagger 
• stumble 
• waddle