Synonyms for

Lame

Verb / leɪm / Another word for lame — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

unable to walk properly due to damage to or weakness in the legs or feet

Synonyms & similar words

halting crippled feeble square gimpy halt game cripple limping crippled disabled handicapped hobbled halt injured weak impaired debilitated game infirmed languid paralyzed unsteady feeble wounded frail shaky sickly

Synonyms by register

Formal

disabled handicapped infirm invalid

Informal

bogus crappy lousy weak wimpy

Literary

crippled maimed

Antonyms

able agile athletic energetic nimble spry vigorous

Common collocations

  • lame excuse
  • lame joke
  • lame duck
  • lame attempt
  • lame argument
  • lame product
  • lame performance

Word family

noun lameness
adjective lame

Usage note

The informal meaning of 'lame' (meaning bad or unconvincing) is very common, but can be considered insensitive by some when referring to physical disabilities. Use with caution.

Example sentences

  1. The horse's leg was lame and it couldn't compete in the race.
  2. He had a lame excuse for not doing his homework.
  3. The old man walked with a lame gait due to his arthritis.
  4. The athlete had to drop out of the competition due to a lame ankle.
  5. The broken wheel made the cart lame and unable to move.

Quotes

  • A lame creature, a cripple like myself, has no right to love. - Graham Greene
  • You can never cross the ocean until you have the courage to lose sight of the shore. - Christopher Columbus
  • The lame can ride on horseback, the one-handed drive cattle. - Gabon Proverb

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