Meaning & Definition of Limp in English

Detailed Definitions

• Definition: To walk awkwardly because of injury or weakness in a leg.

  Example Sentence: He limped after twisting his ankle.

• Definition: To be weak or lacking strength.

  Example Sentence: The company's profits limped along in the slow economy.

• Definition: An awkward or unsteady manner of walking.

  Example Sentence: The soldier walked with a limp after the battle.

Etymology

Origin: Middle English lempe, of unknown origin.

Synonyms

Common Phrases and Expressions

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

Translations

• Spanish: cojo

• French: boiter

• German: lahm

• Russian: хромать

Related Words

• lame: Unable to walk normally due to injury or disability.

• hobble: To walk in an awkward way, typically because of pain in the legs or feet.

Slang Meanings of limp

• Meaning: To fail or perform poorly.

  Example Sentence: The project really limped this quarter.

• Meaning: To have a weak or ineffective performance.

  Example Sentence: His last movie limped at the box office.