weakling
Translation
weakling, wimp
Examples
He was a skinny weakling as a child.
He was a skinny weakling as a child.
Don't be such a weakling and stand up for yourself.
Don't be such a weakling and stand up for yourself.
Grammar Patterns
(as a noun) a physically or mentally weak person He was considered a weakling by his peers.
Similar Words
Synonyms: wimp, coward; Antonyms: powerhouse, stalwart, hero
Etymology
From 'weak' plus the suffix '-ling', which denotes a person with a certain quality, often with a diminutive or contemptuous sense.
Memory Tips
Think of a 'weak-ling' as a 'little weak person'. The '-ling' suffix can be diminutive or contemptuous.