Weakling Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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weakling
[หwiหklษชล ]
Definitions
in sports
A person who is physically weak or lacking in strength.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| weakling |
This word is used to describe someone who is physically weak or frail. It's often used to talk about someone's physical abilities, and while it can be derogatory, it is less intense than some of the other options.
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| wimp |
This word is used to describe someone who lacks physical strength or courage. It's often used in a more casual or conversational context, sometimes humorously, but it can be seen as derogatory.
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| milquetoast |
This term describes someone who is timid, unassertive, or lacks strong character. It often has a slightly old-fashioned feeling and is generally used in a negative way.
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| pushover |
This word is used for someone who is easily influenced, manipulated, or dominated. It focuses more on someone's inability to resist others rather than physical weakness.
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Examples of usage
- He was always bullied in school for being a weakling.
- The coach tried to motivate the weakling to improve his performance.
informal
A person who is easily dominated or manipulated by others.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| weakling |
Used to describe someone physically or mentally weak, typically in an unkind or critical manner.
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| doormat |
Refers to a person who is easily taken advantage of, often not standing up for themselves. This term has a negative connotation.
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| puppet |
Implies that someone is being controlled or manipulated by another person, often used in a political or social context. This term has a negative connotation.
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| follower |
Describes someone who tends to follow others' lead, lacking initiative or leadership qualities. The term can be neutral but sometimes implies a lack of individuality.
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Examples of usage
- Don't be a weakling and stand up for yourself!
- She felt like a weakling for always giving in to peer pressure.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Psychology
- People often perceive weakness as a lack of power or assertiveness, which can affect personal confidence and relationships.
- In mental health, feeling like a 'weakling' can lead to issues like anxiety or depression, where individuals feel inadequate.
Pop Culture
- In comics and movies, weaklings often undergo transformation, gaining strength and confidence, showcasing redemption stories.
- Characters labeled as 'weaklings' are common in literature, often serving as underdogs in conflict-driven narratives.
Literature
- In many classic tales, the weakling character often represents vulnerability, which can elicit sympathy from the audience.
- Authors use weaklings to highlight the theme of growth, where a seemingly feeble character finds inner strength.
Social Dynamics
- Societal norms often pressure individuals to exhibit strength; those seen as weaklings can face bullying or exclusion.
- Some social movements aim to empower those labeled as weaklings, promoting strength in diversity and vulnerability.
Origin of 'weakling'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Old English 'wฤacling', a diminutive form of 'wฤac', meaning weak.
- The suffix '-ling' often indicates something small or young, so it suggests a smaller version of weakness.
The word 'weakling' originated in the late 16th century, combining 'weak' with the suffix '-ling' to denote a person who is weak in a derogatory manner. Over time, the term has evolved to encompass both physical weakness and mental susceptibility to manipulation. It is often used in a negative or demeaning context to criticize someone's lack of strength or resilience.
See also: weak, weaken, weakened, weakening, weaker, weakly, weakness, weaknesses.