weaker sex
Americannoun
noun
Sensitive Note
This is a dated term, usually used for humorous effect but sometimes perceived as condescending to women. It reinforces the stereotype of a weak female.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
They say women are the weaker sex, but no.
From Washington Post
When it comes to mounting an immune response against infections, men are the weaker sex.
From New York Times
"The observations add to growing evidence that immunologically speaking, men are the weaker sex."
From Fox News
“The person who came up with the expression ‘the weaker sex’ was either very naïve or had to be kidding.
From New York Times
The aim is often to protect the “weaker sex”.
From Economist
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
