What does wimpiest mean?
Wimpiest is the superlative of wimpy and means the most timid, cowardly, or weak of a group. It is typically used about a person’s character, behavior, or reaction to a situation, often with the implication that the person is excessively afraid or reluctant. For example, someone might be called the wimpiest for refusing to enter a swimming pool, speak in public, or admit that they are nervous. The word is informal and commonly carries a negative or teasing tone, though it may also be used affectionately in jokes and friendly banter. Its standard opposite is bravest, with boldest and toughest providing related contrasts. Because wimpiest is a regular superlative, it can be formed from wimpy without changing the word's basic meaning. In everyday use, it is more emphatic and more openly judgmental than wimpy itself.
adjectiveThe most cowardly, timid, or weak in character or behavior. It is the superlative of wimpy.
- The superlative of wimpy: more cowardly, timid, or weak than someone or something else.
"He was the wimpiest member of the group, unable to speak when the discussion turned to him."
"She felt like the wimpiest person in the gym after losing the first round."
"His younger brother used to tease him for being the wimpiest about getting in the water."
When you call someone the wimpiest, you have already made the comparison as sharp as possible.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of wimpiest
The word belongs to the English family of wimp, a term for a weak or timid person. The precise origin of wimp is uncertain, while the related adjective wimpy was established by the early twentieth century. Wimpiest is the regular superlative formed from wimpy, and wimpish is another related form meaning weak, ineffectual, or timid.
Related word forms
How wimpiest is actually used
Informal and often disparaging, though it can also be used playfully among friends or in humorous contexts. It is especially common in spoken English and informal writing.
Easily confused with wimpiest
Wimpy is the positive adjective form, while wimpiest is the superlative form and identifies the most wimpy member of a group.