Milquetoast: meaning, definitions and examples

Best used to describe someone who is timid, unassertive, or easily intimidated.

• He's too much of a milquetoast to stand up for himself in meetings.
• Sally's milquetoast attitude makes it hard for her to voice her opinions.

Used to describe someone who is excessively afraid of danger or risk, often with a negative connotation.

• He was called a coward for not joining the fight.
• Don't be a coward and face your fears.

Describes someone who is physically or emotionally weak, often used in a negative or belittling manner.

• The bully called him a weakling because he couldn't lift the heavy box.
• She felt like a weakling for not being able to handle the stressful situation.

A derogatory term for someone who is excessively submissive and allows others to walk all over them.

• Stop being such a doormat and stand up for yourself.
• She was tired of being treated like a doormat by her boss.

Used when referring to someone who is very timid or lacks assertiveness. Often implies that the person is overly compliant and too scared to stand up for themselves.

• He was such a milquetoast that he never spoke up in meetings, even when he had great ideas

Used to describe someone who lacks courage or determination. This word carries a strong negative connotation and suggests a lack of moral strength.

• He was so spineless that he couldn't even stand up to his younger brother

Refers to someone who is willing to obey others and accept their decisions without question. This word can have a negative connotation, implying a lack of independence or self-respect.

• She was in a very submissive relationship, always doing what he wanted without voicing her own opinions

Describes someone who allows things to happen without taking action or making their own decisions. Often perceived as neutral or weak, but not necessarily negative.

• Her passive attitude made it hard for her to lead the team effectively