What does limp mean?
Limp has several related but distinct uses. As an adjective, it describes something lacking firmness, strength, or vitality, as in “his body went limp” or “a limp handshake.” As a verb, it describes walking with an uneven or dragging step, often because of an injury: “The injured player limped off the field.” As a noun, a limp is the impaired gait itself or, more formally, an inability to walk normally. Figuratively, the word can imply weakness, passivity, or a loss of resistance: a negotiator who “went limp” has stopped firmly defending a position. Its figurative uses are especially useful because they connect the physical idea of sagging weakness with emotional, political, or mechanical inactivity. The word is widely understood in both British and American English and is generally neutral, although describing someone as limping may attract unwanted attention because it can indicate an injury or disability.
Lacking firmness, strength, tone, or vitality; hanging loosely or unable to resist.
"The rope went limp in his hands."
A figurative use can describe a person or organization that has become passive, weak, or unwilling to resist.
To walk with an uneven or dragging step, especially because of an injury or disability.
"He limped to the bus stop after hurting his foot."
The verb can also be used figuratively to mean to proceed slowly or with reduced energy.
An uneven way of walking caused by difficulty in moving a leg or foot, or the inability to walk normally.
"He developed a limp after the accident."
This sense is common in medical, sporting, and everyday descriptions of walking injuries.
The plural is used for separate instances of impaired walking or for the visible unevenness of someone’s gait.
"The old horse walked with two noticeable limps."
A limp can describe either a way of walking or the sudden loss of firmness that leaves someone unable to stand.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does limp come from?
The word is attested in English from the early 16th century, but its precise origin is uncertain. Its early forms were used both for weakness or lack of firmness and for an unsteady manner of walking. The separate noun meaning an impaired gait developed from the older verb and has remained in regular use, especially in medical and sporting contexts.
Related word forms
How limp is actually used
The adjective and verb are common in formal and informal English. In its literal sense, a limp is a physical gait condition; in figurative use, “go limp” suggests becoming unable to resist, act, or respond, while “limply” can describe anything hanging loosely or lacking force.
Easily confused with limp
A limp describes an uneven way of walking, while lame describes an inability to walk normally or a limitation affecting a leg or foot.