limp
4 synonyms and 1 antonym for limp, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To walk unevenly, favoring one leg because of an injury or pain.
Synonyms
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Synonyms by Meaning
1. verb
To walk unevenly, favoring one leg because of an injury or pain.
“He limped off the pitch after twisting his ankle.”
How to use limp
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
limp handshake
limp along
go limp
Etymology
From Old English limpan ("to hang down"), related to a Germanic root meaning "to hang loosely" — the same idea behind something going soft or floppy.
Full origin of limp →Frequently asked questions
What does “limp” mean?
The word “limp” means to walk unevenly, favoring one leg because of an injury or pain. In plain terms, either walking with an uneven, painful step, or being floppy/without stiffness.
How do you pronounce “limp”?
“Limp” is pronounced lihmp (/lɪmp/ in IPA).
How do you use “limp” in a sentence?
Here is “limp” used in a sentence: “He limped off the pitch after twisting his ankle.”
What part of speech is “limp”?
Depending on how it is used, “limp” can be a verb and an adjective.
Where does the word “limp” come from?
The word “limp” comes from Old English. From Old English limpan ("to hang down"), related to a Germanic root meaning "to hang loosely" — the same idea behind something going soft or floppy.
Is “limp” a common word?
“Limp” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “limp” have?
“Limp” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to walk unevenly, favoring one leg because of an injury or pain.
