spineless

adjective

spine·​less ˈspīn-ləs How to pronounce spineless (audio)
1
: free from spines, thorns, or prickles
2
a
: having no spinal column : invertebrate
b
: lacking strength of character
spinelessly adverb
spinelessness noun

Examples of spineless in a Sentence

a spineless man who let his wife make all the decisions spineless seamen who trembled at the first roar of the cannon
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Make no mistake: New York's seniors are paying the price for Lawler's weak and spineless leadership. Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 20 Mar. 2025 Duplass’ Michael is a dud, sorta sweet but totally spineless. Angie Han, The Hollywood Reporter, 18 Mar. 2025 Crudup is a wonderful actor, and Manders is also a tough part — one of Ibsen’s spineless and yet somehow not soulless creatures. Sara Holdren, Vulture, 10 Mar. 2025 Musk and Trump must be stopped before more Americans are killed, and only those spineless Republicans in Congress can stop them. Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 4 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for spineless

Word History

First Known Use

1827, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of spineless was in 1827

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Spineless.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spineless. Accessed 2 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

spineless

adjective
spine·​less ˈspīn-ləs How to pronounce spineless (audio)
1
: having no spines, thorns, or prickles
2
a
: having no backbone : invertebrate
b
: lacking spirit, courage, or determination
spinelessly adverb
spinelessness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on spineless

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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