Spineless Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐
spineless
[หspaษชn.lษs ]
Definitions
describing a person or animal
Lacking courage or strength; weak-willed.
Synonyms
cowardly, gutless, timid, weak.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| spineless |
Often used to describe someone who lacks courage or is easily swayed by others, implying a lack of integrity and moral fortitude. This term is quite negative.
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| cowardly |
Describes someone who is easily scared or shows a lack of bravery in the face of danger or difficulty. It is strongly negative and often used to criticize someoneโs actions.
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| timid |
Describes someone who is shy, hesitant, or lacks self-confidence, especially in social situations. It is less harsh than the other terms and can be used sympathetically.
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| weak |
Can describe both physical and emotional strength. When referring to emotional or moral strength, it implies a lack of willpower or determination. The context determines whether itโs negative or neutral.
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| gutless |
A very informal and pejorative term used to describe someone who lacks courage. It is strongly negative and often meant to deeply insult someone's bravery.
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Examples of usage
- He's so spineless, he never stands up for himself.
- The spineless leader failed to make any tough decisions.
- She couldn't rely on her spineless friend when she needed support.
describing a plant or animal
Lacking a spine or backbone.
Synonyms
boneless, invertebrate, soft-bodied.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| spineless |
This word is generally used to describe someone who lacks courage or determination. It has a negative connotation.
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| boneless |
This word is typically used in the context of food, specifically to describe meat or fish that have had the bones removed. It is neutral in its connotation.
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| soft-bodied |
This phrase is commonly used in biology to describe organisms whose bodies are not protected by hard shells or exoskeletons. It is neutral and often used to describe certain types of invertebrates.
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| invertebrate |
This term is primarily used in biology to describe animals that do not have a backbone, such as insects, worms, and mollusks. It is neutral and used in scientific or educational contexts.
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Examples of usage
- The jellyfish is a spineless creature.
- Snakes are not considered spineless despite not having a traditional spine.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Psychology
- People often correlated the idea of being 'spineless' with feelings of insecurity and low self-esteem.
- Often linked to social anxiety, individuals might avoid confrontations or difficult situations, leading to their 'spineless' behavior.
Literature
- Characters in novels that exhibit spineless traits often serve as an example of cowardice or moral weakness, contrasting with heroic figures.
- In George Orwell's '1984', Winston Smith's struggles reflect a spineless society under totalitarian rule, depicting the effects of fear.
Pop Culture
- The term is frequently used in modern media to critique politicians or public figures who avoid taking a strong stance on issues.
- Animated shows often depict spineless characters as comic relief, exaggerating their lack of assertiveness for humor.
Cultural Variations
- In some cultures, being described as spineless is a grave insult, indicating a person doesn't uphold family or societal expectations.
- Conversely, in some contexts, the spinelessness can be seen as a way to avoid conflict, emphasizing peacekeeping.
Origin of 'spineless'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'spineless' combines 'spine' (the backbone) with the prefix 'less', meaning 'without'.
- Originally, it described animals without a backbone, like jellyfish and worms, but it later referred to people who lack courage.
The word 'spineless' dates back to the 17th century, originally derived from the combination of 'spine' and the suffix '-less,' indicating a lack of spine or backbone. Over time, it has evolved to describe not only physical attributes but also character traits associated with weakness or lack of courage. The term has been commonly used in literature and everyday language to portray individuals or creatures that exhibit a lack of strength or resolve.
See also: spinet.