Skip to main content
limpy

limpy

7.9
Weak and not convincing, for example an excuse or performance
  • adjective
  • /ˈlɪm.pi/
translation icon : flácido
  • His argument was so limpy that no one took it seriously.

Examples

  • The bag felt limpy and couldn't hold its shape.

  • Hedda, you're limpy and wimpy!

    Fiction book (2000)
  • After the long flight, I felt limpy and tired, struggling to stand straight.

Synonyms

limp
vslimpy
64 2.8

Not firm or strong and with little energy

is the informal adjective that also covers figurative weakness
frail
vslimpy
52 4.1

Being physically weak and breaking easily

stresses lack of firmness rather than delicate fragility
wobbly
vslimpy
36 3.6

Unsteady and likely to move from side to side

emphasizes lack of firmness or force rather than just instability
wimpy
vslimpy
  • Offensive
24 5.7

Lacking strength, courage, or strong flavor

concerns physical or figurative lack of firmness rather than timidity
flabby
vslimpy
20 3.7

Soft and loose areas of the body without firm muscle

is similar but also covers nonphysical or unconvincing weakness
flaccid
vslimpy
14 7.3

Soft and limp, without firmness or strength

applies more widely to things or arguments beyond body parts
droopy
vslimpy
13 3.9

Hanging down in a weak, loose way like eyelids and flowers

focuses more on weak or unconvincing quality, not only hanging shape
saggy
vslimpy
12 3.5

Part of a thing that hangs down loosely and is not firm, like a mattress or sweater

covers that sagging idea but also weak performance or argument
wishy-washy
vslimpy
  • Informal
12 7.3

Not firm or brave when making decisions

refers more to physical or tangible lack of firmness or force
spindly
vslimpy
11 6.2

Long, thin, and looking weak, often said about plants or people

focuses on softness or lack of firmness rather than thinness
ungainly
vslimpy
4 7.3

Moving or looking awkward and clumsy

highlights lack of firmness or conviction rather than clumsy movement
rickety
vslimpy
2 7.0

Physically weak, often with shaky or bent legs

is more about lacking firmness than general physical frailty
wimpish
vslimpy
  • Offensive
1 7.9

Not brave or strong enough to face difficult things

is about physical or general lack of firmness, not only willpower
droppy
vslimpy
  • UK
5.3

A thing that hangs down loosely and looks limp

is broader, describing weakness in firmness or in forcefulness
unsturdy
vslimpy
4.8

Likely to wobble or break, like a weak chair

highlights lack of firmness or persuasiveness rather than structural fault

Antonyms

1.0

Having great physical power or being solid enough to resist force

195 3.4

That makes someone believe something is true

How Limp

flaccid
14 7.3
floppy
42 3.7
limpy
7.9
weak
524 1.0

Surface Forms

limpy positive

Morphology

limpy = limp (transparent) = limp + y

The adjective 'limpy' is transparently derived from 'limp' with the addition of the suffix '-y' to indicate a quality or state.

Etymology

Limpy comes from the simple word limp, originally meaning 'lame' or 'weak', plus the ending -y. So a limpy excuse or performance 'has a limp'—it feels weak and unconvincing.