WordGarden.io

wimp

C2
Uncommon

Pronunciation

UK

  • /wˈɪmp/

US

  • /ˈwɪmp/

Meanings

Noun

  1. an offensive insult for a weak or timid person

Verb

  1. (informal)to act timidly or back out from fear

Beyond the definition

Calling someone a "wimp" is not a compliment. It suggests that the person seems weak, easily scared, or not brave enough to deal with something difficult. It does not always mean physical weakness. More often, it points to someone who backs away from a challenge, avoids conflict, or lets other people push them around. The word can be used as playful teasing between friends, but it is often insulting and may be used to shame someone into acting braver. "Don't be such a wimp. Just ask her out!"

Examples

  1. 1

    Outdoor plans

    He said he wanted to go camping, but he changed his mind after he saw the weather forecast.

  2. 2

    Food tolerance

    My friends call me a wimp because I can't handle spicy food.

  3. 3

    Public speaking

    I know I sound like a wimp, but I really don't want to speak in front of 200 people.

  4. 4

    Politics

    Some voters saw him as a wimp who avoided tough decisions.

More examples
  1. 5

    Backing out

    Don't wimp out now after all the plans we've made.

    • Phrasewimp out

      decide not to do something because you feel afraid or nervous

See also

Similar

Shades of meaning

Contrast

  • brave person
  • assertive person

Used with (collocations)

  • a total wimp
  • don't be such a wimp
  • wimp out

Word family

Explore

Forms and spellings

1 form open this card.

Main spelling

  • wimpnoun