What does limped mean?
To limp is to walk with an uneven, labored gait, usually because of an injury, stiffness, or weakness in one leg or foot. The movement involves placing weight unevenly and may be accompanied by a dragging or shortened step. The verb can also be used figuratively to describe progress that is slow, awkward, or impeded, as in a company limping toward recovery. “Limped” is the past tense and past participle of “limp.” In ordinary speech, it is a direct and readily understood term, while its figurative use can suggest a process that continues despite significant difficulties. It is related in meaning to other words describing unsteady movement, but “limp” is especially associated with a person or animal walking despite an impaired leg.
verbTo walk with an uneven or awkward gait, typically because one leg or foot is injured or stiff. It can also describe movement that is slow, difficult, or unsteady.
- To walk unevenly or with difficulty, especially because of injury, stiffness, or disability.
"After injuring his ankle, he limped for several days before returning to work."
"The dog began to limp after stepping on a sharp stone."
"She limped down the aisle, trying not to draw attention to her injured foot."
To limp is to let your body tell the story before you do: one careful step can reveal an injury that words hide.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does limped come from?
The word belongs to the English verb family represented by Middle English “limpen,” meaning “to limp.” Its deeper origin is not entirely certain, although the Middle English form is well attested and developed into the modern English verb.
Related word forms
How limped is actually used
The word is neutral in register and can describe either a literal impaired gait or, figuratively, slow or difficult progress.