What are the definitions of “wimp out”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Not be brave enough to do something.
I was going to have the hottest curry on the menu, but I WIMPED OUT and had a mild lamb Korma instead.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “wimp out”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb wimp out is to not be brave enough to do something or to avoid doing something because of fear or lack of confidence. It is often used to describe someone who changes their mind or backs down from a challenge.
What are the different verb forms of “wimp out”?
| Root Verb | wimp out |
| Third Person Singular Present | wimps out |
| Present Participle | wimping out |
| Simple Past | wimped out |
| Past Participle | wimped out |
Example
I don't want to wimp out on the roller coaster ride.
Example
She always wimps out when it's time to give a presentation.
Example
He is wimping out of the bungee jumping activity.
Example
They wimped out of the haunted house tour.
Example
I have wimped out of many challenges in the past.
What kind of phrasal verb is “wimp out”?
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a transitive and intransitive verb? - A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.) - An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)
Intransitive verb
“wimp out” is an intransitive phrasal verb because it doesn't require an object to complete its meaning. It forms a complete sentence without an object.
Example
He wimped out when he saw the height of the diving board.
Example
She wimped out of the speech competition.
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb? - A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle. - An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.
Inseparable
“wimp out” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.
Example
He wimped out when he saw the height of the diving board.
Example
She wimped out of the speech competition.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “wimp out”?
Good things to know
Does “wimp out” have an informal or formal tone?
Wimp out is an informal phrasal verb and is more suitable for casual conversations. It is not recommended for use in formal settings or professional communication. Instead, use alternatives like 'back out,' 'withdraw,' or 'avoid.'
