WEAK-KNEED Synonyms: 68 Similar and Opposite Words

weak-kneed

adjective

ˈwēk-ˈnēd

Definition of weak-kneed

as in weak

lacking strength of will or character management is too weak-kneed to effectively enforce even a minimal dress code

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Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of weak-kneed That NextEra could rack up a string of scandals and still extract multi-billion-dollar rate hikes for FPL stems directly from weak-kneed, inept oversight by the Florida Public Service Commission. — Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 30 May 2026 But after stumbling, skier after skier tightened their boots, collected loose skis, and proceeded to do tricks that those of us at the bottom feel weak-kneed to even watch. — Story Hinckley, Christian Science Monitor, 10 Feb. 2026 The steadfast pushback against the administration might appear on the surface to be an encouraging trend, given the complaisance of the Republican majorities in Congress and weak-kneed capitulation to Trump by leaders of institutions such as universities and major corporations. — Los Angeles Times, 5 Feb. 2026 Being healthy was culturally coded as being a weak-kneed liberal elite. — Matt Lewis, Washington Post, 14 Jan. 2026 And that’s been a problem — well, at least for discerning, weak-kneed cosmopolitan viewers like me. — Stephen Rodrick, Rolling Stone, 9 Mar. 2025 Thankfully, the City Council, not our weak-kneed mayor, has the last say. — Peter L. Markowitz, New York Daily News, 22 Jan. 2025 Sadly, Pope Paul VI, who succeeded John XIII, was weak-kneed, while John Paul II and Benedict XVI were conservative revanchists. — R. R. Reno, Foreign Affairs, 13 Nov. 2018

Recent Examples of Synonyms for weak-kneed

Adjective

The heat has caused a fall in nuclear generation, with power plants forced to shut down or reduce production across the region, while wind power generation has been weak over the summer.

— Jenni Reid, CNBC, 27 Aug. 2026
The state financial watchdog attributed the disbursement problems to administrative delays, weak project management, and late counterpart funding from the Congolese government.

— Ruben Nyanguila, semafor.com, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of weak

Adjective

Most often, those who do seek medical attention are people who are more susceptible to foodborne illnesses, such as children, older adults, pregnant people and people with weakened immune systems.

— Kimberly Baker, The Conversation, 31 Aug. 2026
Most people recover within several days, but infections can become serious for young children, older adults and people with weakened immune systems.

— Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of weakened

Adjective

Offer a realistic time, suggest a softer plan, and let honesty keep the connection easy.

— Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 29 Aug. 2026
There has always been something compelling about Paul Baker, something about the interplay between his frat-star good looks and Canadian soft-boy heart.

— Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of soft

Browse Nearby Words

weakhearted

weak-kneed

weakliness

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“Weak-kneed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/weak-kneed. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of weak-kneed

adjective

Example Sentences

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