Spineless: meaning, definitions and examples
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spineless
[ ˈspaɪn.ləs ]
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.
|
| 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 someone’s actions.
|
| 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.
|
| 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 it’s negative or neutral.
|
| 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.
|
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.
|
| 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.
|
| 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.
|
Examples of usage
- The jellyfish is a spineless creature.
- Snakes are not considered spineless despite not having a traditional spine.
Translations
Translations of the word "spineless" in other languages:
🇵🇹 sem espinha
🇮🇳 रीढ़हीन (Reedheen)
🇩🇪 rückgratlos
🇮🇩 tanpa tulang belakang
🇺🇦 безхребетний
🇵🇱 bezkręgowiec
🇯🇵 脊椎のない (sekitui no nai)
🇫🇷 sans épine dorsale
🇪🇸 sin columna vertebral
🇹🇷 omurgasız
🇰🇷 척추가 없는 (cheokchuga eomneun)
🇸🇦 بدون عمود فقري (bidoon 'umud fiqrii)
🇨🇿 bez páteře
🇸🇰 bez chrbtice
🇨🇳 无脊椎 (wú jǐzhuī)
🇸🇮 brez hrbtenice
🇮🇸 án hryggjar
🇰🇿 омыртқасыз
🇬🇪 უხერხემლო (ukherkhemlo)
🇦🇿 onurğasız
🇲🇽 sin columna vertebral
Etymology
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.