Weak-kneed

Characterized by a lack of courage, resolve, or determination; easily intimidated or swayed; lacking in firmness or decisiveness. Often used to describe someone who is hesitant to take action or stand up for their beliefs due to fear or a perceived lack of strength. Implies a yielding nature and a tendency towards compromise when a stronger stance might be more appropriate. The term paints the subject as lacking a backbone in the face of adversity or pressure.

Weak-kneed meaning with examples

• The politician, accused of corruption, gave a Weak-kneed response during the press conference, failing to defend himself adequately and appearing to crumble under the scrutiny. His evasiveness did him no favors.
• Faced with a difficult decision about the company's future, the Weak-kneed CEO delayed making a choice, causing uncertainty and dissatisfaction amongst his employees. His timidity was his greatest fault.
• Despite witnessing the injustice, he gave a Weak-kneed reaction, choosing to remain silent rather than risk confrontation, solidifying his reputation for lacking conviction and fortitude in the face of a crisis.
• She felt betrayed when her supposed ally displayed a Weak-kneed defense of their shared project, failing to counter the criticism and essentially abandoning the effort out of fear of professional consequence.
• The committee's Weak-kneed approach to enforcing the new regulations allowed violations to proliferate, damaging their effectiveness and making them seem ineffectual and ultimately toothless.