weak-kneed

[ week-need ]

/ ˈwikˈnid /

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See synonyms for weak-kneed on Thesaurus.com

adjective

yielding readily to opposition, pressure, intimidation, etc.

QUIZ

THINGAMABOB OR THINGUMMY: CAN YOU DISTINGUISH BETWEEN THE US AND UK TERMS IN THIS QUIZ?

Do you know the difference between everyday US and UK terminology? Test yourself with this quiz on words that differ across the Atlantic.

Question 1 of 7

In the UK, COTTON CANDY is more commonly known as…

candystring

candyfloss

candypuff

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Origin of weak-kneed

First recorded in 1860–65

OTHER WORDS FROM weak-kneed

weak-kneedly, adverbweak-kneedness, noun

Words nearby weak-kneed

weakhanded, weak-headed, weakhearted, weak interaction, weakish, weak-kneed, weakling, weak link, weakly, weak-minded, weak moment, in a

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use weak-kneed in a sentence

These statements are neither radical nor weak-kneed, as Republican questions would lead you to believe.
Hagel’s Confirmation Hearings Contentious and Partisan|John Avlon|February 1, 2013|DAILY BEAST
As these weak-kneed leaders came under pressure for their practices and products, they turned psychologically inward.
Lousy Marketing—Not Lousy Cars—Killed Detroit|Adam Hanft|November 24, 2008|DAILY BEAST
Mrs. Tyler issued a statement branding Clarke as a “weak-kneed quitter,” and repudiating him entirely.
The Modern Ku Klux Klan|Henry Peck Fry
Relieved and rather weak-kneed at the imminent danger, Burt looked around for his chum.
The Blind Lion of the Congo|Elliott Whitney

It is horrible always to have none but such weak-kneed old men at table with us.
Quintus Claudius, Volume 2 of 2|Ernst Eckstein
And weak-kneed Republicans, after having fought such a glorious battle, surrendered; they could not stand the taunt.
The Life and Work of Susan B. Anthony (Volume 2 of 2)|Ida Husted Harper
He soon turned the tide, strengthened the weak-kneed Republicans and abolitionists, and secured a large Democratic vote.
Eighty Years And More; Reminiscences 1815-1897|Elizabeth Cady Stanton

British Dictionary definitions for weak-kneed

weak-kneed

adjective

informal yielding readily to force, persuasion, intimidation, etc

Derived forms of weak-kneed

weak-kneedly, adverbweak-kneedness, noun

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

weak-kneed

Origin of weak-kneed

OTHER WORDS FROM weak-kneed

Words nearby weak-kneed

Words related to weak-kneed

How to use weak-kneed in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for weak-kneed

Derived forms of weak-kneed