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-ˈkneedness, noun
• ˌweak-ˈkneedly, adverb

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

These statements are neither radical nor weak-kneed, as Republican questions would lead you to believe.

From The Daily Beast

As these weak-kneed leaders came under pressure for their practices and products, they turned psychologically inward.

From The Daily Beast

Mrs. Tyler issued a statement branding Clarke as a “weak-kneed quitter,” and repudiating him entirely.

From Project Gutenberg

Relieved and rather weak-kneed at the imminent danger, Burt looked around for his chum.

From Project Gutenberg

It is horrible always to have none but such weak-kneed old men at table with us.

From Project Gutenberg

And weak-kneed Republicans, after having fought such a glorious battle, surrendered; they could not stand the taunt.

From Project Gutenberg

He soon turned the tide, strengthened the weak-kneed Republicans and abolitionists, and secured a large Democratic vote.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

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