lame

[leɪm]

lame Definition

  • 1(of a person or animal) unable to walk without difficulty as the result of an injury or illness affecting the leg or foot
  • 2(of an explanation or excuse) unconvincingly feeble

Using lame: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "lame" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    The horse went lame after the race.

  • Example

    He walked with a lame leg.

  • Example

    That's a lame excuse for not doing your homework.

  • Example

    The movie's plot was lame and predictable.

lame Synonyms and Antonyms

Phrases with lame

  • a person or thing that is powerless or in a vulnerable position, especially one that is unable to fulfill its obligations

    Example

    The outgoing president was a lame duck, unable to pass any significant legislation.

  • lamebrain

    a foolish or stupid person

    Example

    Don't listen to him, he's a lamebrain who doesn't know what he's talking about.

  • a joke that is not funny or falls flat

    Example

    His attempt at humor was a lame joke that no one laughed at.

Origins of lame

from Old English 'lama', meaning 'crippled'

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Summary: lame in Brief

The term 'lame' [leɪm] describes a person or animal that has difficulty walking due to an injury or illness affecting the leg or foot. It can also describe an explanation or excuse that is unconvincing or feeble, as in 'That's a lame excuse for not doing your homework.' The phrase 'lame duck' refers to a person or thing that is powerless or in a vulnerable position.

How do native speakers use this expression?