weakling

/ˈwiːklɪŋ/ (bre, ipa) · [wˈiklɪŋ] /ˈwiːklɪŋ/ (ame, ipa) · [wˈiklɪŋ] /ˈwē-kliŋ How to pronounce weakling (audio)/ (ame, mw)

weakling — noun

  • weaklingsingular
  • weaklingsplural

1. An insulting term for someone regarded as lacking strength — either because thei

1.名詞B2
釋義

An insulting term for someone regarded as lacking strength — either because their body is frail, or because they give in too easily rather than standing up for what they believe.

例句

The kids called Asher a weakling because he could not climb the rope in gym.

called + [person] + weakling + because of inability

Brandon was called a weakling by his coach after giving up in the final minutes of the match.

passive: was called a weakling by [person]

同義詞
  • wimp

    More informal than weakling; focuses on lack of courage or toughness rather than physical strength.

  • pushover

    Emphasises that the person is too easy to defeat or persuade, rather than general weakness.

  • coward

    Specifically about lack of bravery in the face of danger or pain; stronger negative connotation.

反義詞
  • tough guy

    Informal opposite — someone seen as strong, resilient, or intimidating.

  • bully

    A person who uses strength or power to hurt or frighten others — the opposite of a weakling in character.

文法句型

call + [person] + a weakling

treat [person] like a weakling

用法筆記

Almost always used as an insult or criticism. The word can target either physical weakness (frailty, lack of strength) or weakness of character (timidity, lack of courage, inability to stand up for oneself). It is rarely used in neutral or positive contexts.

常見錯誤

❌She is a weakling because she is thin.
✅She is a weakling because she cannot lift even light objects.
💡Physical weakness refers to lack of strength, not just body size.
❌He is a weakling of the team.
✅He is the weakling of the team.
💡The word uses the definite article 'the' when specifying a group.