spineless
word
Definition
Describes someone who lacks courage, determination, or the ability to stand up for themselves. It can also literally mean without a spine (in animals).
Usage & Nuances
'Spineless' is often used as an insult for someone seen as weak or lacking moral courage. It's informal and fairly strong, commonly paired with 'coward' or in phrases like 'spineless leader'. Sometimes literal when talking about animals.
Spanish: falto de carácter - sin coraje - sin columna vertebralPortuguese (BR): sem coragem - sem personalidade - sem espinha dorsalPortuguese (PT): sem coragem - sem personalidade - sem espinha dorsalChinese (Simplified): 懦弱的 - 无脊椎的Chinese (Traditional): 懦弱的 - 無脊椎的Hindi: कमज़ोर इरादों वाला - बिना रीढ़ काArabic: ضعيف الشخصية - بلا عمود فقريBengali: কোমল - মেরুদণ্ডহীনRussian: бесхребетныйJapanese: 意気地のない - 脊椎のないVietnamese: hèn nhát - không xương sốngKorean: 겁쟁이 같은 - 척추가 없는Turkish: omurgasızUrdu: بزدل - ریڑھ کی ہڈی کے بغیرIndonesian: tidak punya nyali - tidak bertulang belakang
Example Sentences
He is too spineless to stand up to his boss.
basic
The team needs a strong leader, not a spineless one.
basic
Jellyfish are spineless animals.
basic
I can't believe she was so spineless in front of everyone!
natural
People say he's spineless, but maybe he's just diplomatic.
natural
Don’t be so spineless—just tell them how you really feel.
natural