wishy-washy

[wish-ee-wosh-ee, -waw-shee]

adjective

1. lacking in decisiveness; without strength or character; irresolute.

2. washy or watery, as a liquid; thin and weak.

wishy-washy

/ ˈwɪʃɪˌwɒʃɪ /

adjective

1. lacking in substance, force, colour, etc

2. watery; thin

Other Word Forms

• wishy-washily adverb
• wishy-washiness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of wishy-washy¹

First recorded in 1685–95; gradational compound based on washy

Example Sentences

She gives every impression she might regard that nickname as a bit wishy-washy, a bit namby-pamby.

From BBC

Sen. Mike Rounds, R-S.D., told the Journal that he was "very frustrated" by the wishy-washy approach to duties by Trump.

From Salon

Trump is very wishy-washy on the issue of women's rights, so it's hard to pin him down on any stance.

From BBC

She believes wellness culture has become culty in its own right, with wishy-washy aspects from different belief systems amalgamated into social media-friendly idioms.

From Los Angeles Times

Prior to standing firmly behind a states-decide position, Trump had been notoriously wishy-washy in his stance on abortion policy.

From Salon

Related Words

• indecisive