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Weakling
01
a person physically or mentally weak, unable to handle stress or effort
Informal
Offensive
Grammatical Information
Animacy status
Human
Composition
Compound
Countable
Plural form
weaklings
What is the origin of the term "weakling" and how is it used?
"Weakling" is an English term for a person who is physically or mentally weak, or unable to handle stress or effort. It appeared in English by the 16th–17th centuries as a diminutive of "weak," literally meaning "a small or feeble person." The term is used in informal, critical, or mocking contexts to describe someone lacking strength, resilience, or toughness. It is mildly derogatory, context-dependent, and not vulgar, conveying criticism rather than extreme insult.
Examples
He refused to lift the box, acting like a weakling.
