Limp

/lɪmp/

Meaning & Definition

noun
An uneven or weak way of walking.
He walked with a noticeable limp after the surgery.
A defect or impairment in the gait of a person or animal.
The horse had a limp that concerned the veterinarian.
verb
To walk unevenly or with difficulty, typically because of injury or weakness in one leg.
After twisting his ankle, he had to limp back home.
To move in a way that suggests an uneven or weak gait.
The injured dog limped along the path, searching for its owner.
adjective
Weak or lacking in firmness or strength.
The plants looked limp after not being watered for a week.

Etymology

Middle English lempe, of unknown origin.

Common Phrases and Expressions

limp along:
To move or progress slowly.
limp handshake:
A weak handshake that suggests a lack of confidence.

Related Words

Slang Meanings

To fail or perform poorly.
The project really limped this quarter.
To have a weak or ineffective performance.
His last movie limped at the box office.