Lame

/leɪm/

Meaning & Definition

verb

to make lame; to impair the mobility of a limb.

The accident lamed the horse, making it unable to compete.

adjective

having a body part and especially a limb impaired or disabled.

The dog was lame after it injured its leg.

unable to walk normally because of an injury or illness affecting the leg or foot.

He became lame after the accident and had to use a wheelchair.

weak or ineffective; unsatisfactory.

Her excuse for being late was really lame and hardly believable.

not funny; stupid or boring.

The joke was so lame that nobody laughed.

Middle English 'lam', from Old English 'lama', related to Dutch 'lam', German 'lahm'.

lame excuse

An excuse that is viewed as unsatisfactory or insufficient.

lame duck

A person or entity that is ineffective or has lost power.

lamebrain

A foolish or incompetent person.

lame duck

A politician or official whose power is diminished, often because their term is ending.

lamebrain

A person who is silly or foolish.

Used to describe something that is considered dull or unexciting.

That party was so lame, I left early.

Referring to someone or something that is not cool or impressive.

Don't be lame; join us for the concert!