noun
weakling
week-LIHNGG
noun
1
A physically frail or sickly person.
"He used to be teased as a weakling before he took up boxing."
2
Someone lacking courage or moral backbone.
"Only a weakling would let his friends take the blame."
How to Use Weakling
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA person who is physically weak, or who lacks the courage to stand up for themselves.
When to use it
Somewhat insulting — used to belittle, not a neutral clinical term.
Word Forms
weaklings plural
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He used to be teased as a _____ before he took up boxing.
Etymology
Formed from "weak" plus the diminutive suffix "-ling," as in "duckling" or "hireling."