lameness
/ˈleɪmnəs/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈleɪmnəs/ (ame, ipa)
lameness — noun
1. a physical state where someone or something — usually an animal — moves with dif
a physical state where someone or something — usually an animal — moves with difficulty because one leg, foot, or hoof is injured, painful, or too weak to bear normal weight
The horse was sent home from the race after the vet noticed lameness in its left back leg.
common veterinary context: lameness in [body part]
Sven's lameness got worse over the winter, and his doctor told him to start using a walking stick.
possessive: someone's lameness, as a long-term condition
Years of working in the cold mines had left Baraka with a permanent lameness in both knees.
The dog hid its lameness for weeks until the family noticed it could no longer jump onto the sofa.
Camila's lameness from the car accident slowly improved after six months of physical therapy.
- limp
a limp is the visible walking pattern; lameness is the underlying condition
- disability
broader term; covers many physical and mental limits, not just walking
用法筆記
Frequently used in veterinary contexts to describe animals (horses, dogs, cattle). For humans, often signals a long-term or noticeable problem rather than a temporary limp.
常見錯誤
2. a poor or unconvincing nature — used to point out that an excuse, argument, joke
a poor or unconvincing nature — used to point out that an excuse, argument, joke, or piece of work has no real force and fails to do its job
The lameness of his excuse for being late made everyone in the meeting laugh.
the lameness of [excuse / argument / answer]
Karim could not hide the lameness of his explanation when his sister asked where the cookies had gone.
Critics pointed out the lameness of the film's ending, where every problem was solved in two minutes.
The lameness of the new policy became clear when nobody could explain how it would actually help.
Yumi rolled her eyes at the lameness of the party games her boss had picked.
- weakness
broader; can apply to many things including arguments, characters, and physical strength
- feebleness
more formal; emphasises lack of force or energy
- strength
general opposite when describing arguments or excuses
用法筆記
Almost always appears in the pattern 'the lameness of [something]', especially with excuses, arguments, jokes, or creative works. Carries a clearly critical tone.