weakling

noun

weak·​ling ˈwē-kliŋ How to pronounce weakling (audio)
: one that is weak in body, character, or mind
weakling adjective

Examples of weakling in a Sentence

he had been a weakling until high school, when he started working out to put on muscle only a weakling would be willing to lie to save himself from punishment
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.
The fact these losers want to jail Andrew and Tristan Tate for preaching their version of traditional masculinity highlights the fact that these fascist feminists are fragile weaklings incapable of defending their position in the free marketplace of ideas. David Catanese, Miami Herald, 20 Mar. 2025 In Europe the obvious weaklings are Lancia, Alfa Romeo, and DS. Neil Winton, Forbes, 14 Mar. 2025 Tinkerbell, who is seen as somewhat of a weakling in the Shrek films, is flattened against a lantern in the land which is also home to props previously only seen digitally on screen. Caroline Reid, Forbes, 18 Jan. 2025 What cinches this daring perspective is actor Andrew Scott’s phenomenal characterization as a weakling who grapples with gradual self-awareness. Armond White, National Review, 29 Dec. 2023 See All Example Sentences for weakling

Word History

First Known Use

1542, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of weakling was in 1542

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

Kids Definition

weakling

noun
weak·​ling ˈwē-kliŋ How to pronounce weakling (audio)
: one that is weak in body, character, or mind
weakling adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on weakling

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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