wimp out
C1Informal, colloquial
Definition
Meaning
To fail to do something, or to withdraw from a commitment, due to a lack of courage or determination.
To act in a cowardly or weak-willed manner, especially by backing out of a challenging, risky, or unpleasant situation that one had previously agreed to.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
A phrasal verb with strong negative connotations of cowardice and unreliability. Often used in a tone of disappointment, criticism, or mockery. The subject is typically a person who fails to meet an expectation of bravery or endurance.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning or usage. The term 'wimp' is equally common in both varieties.
Connotations
Identical negative connotations in both dialects.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in American English, but well-established and commonly understood in British English.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Subject] wimps out (of [activity/commitment])[Subject] wimped out on [person/group]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Get cold feet (similar, but less harsh)”
- “Chicken out (near synonym)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare; considered unprofessional. Might be used informally to criticize a colleague who backs out of a tough negotiation.
Academic
Not used.
Everyday
Common in spoken language among friends, family, and peers, e.g., discussing social plans, dares, or physical challenges.
Technical
Not used.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- He promised to do the bungee jump but wimped out at the edge.
- Don't you dare wimp out of the charity swim now!
American English
- She totally wimped out on us and didn't go to the haunted house.
- I almost wimped out, but I finished the marathon.
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- N/A for the phrasal verb. The related adjective is 'wimpy'.
American English
- N/A for the phrasal verb. The related adjective is 'wimpy'.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- My friend wimped out and didn't go on the roller coaster.
- He said he would try the spicy food, but he wimped out.
- After all his big talk, he wimped out of the debate at the last moment.
- I'm not going to wimp out this time; I'll ask for the promotion.
- The entire team was counting on him, but he wimped out on the crucial presentation, citing a sudden illness.
- Political commentators accused the minister of wimping out of the controversial policy reform.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a WIMP (Weak, Ineffectual, Mousy Person) walking OUT of a door to avoid a difficult situation.
Conceptual Metaphor
COURAGE IS SUBSTANCE / SOLIDITY; LACK OF COURAGE IS WEAKNESS / FLIMSY MATERIAL. To 'wimp out' is to metaphorically collapse or dissolve under pressure.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct translation. Not "выйти как слабак". Closer to "сструсить", "сойти с дистанции", "испугаться и отказаться".
Common Mistakes
- Using it in formal writing. Incorrect preposition: 'wimp out from' (correct: 'wimp out of' or 'wimp out on').
Practice
Quiz
In which situation would someone most likely be accused of 'wimping out'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it is informal and derogatory. It's an accusation of cowardice and is insulting. Use with caution, typically only among close friends in a joking manner.
They are very close synonyms. 'Wimp out' might imply a more general lack of fortitude, while 'chicken out' is specifically about fear. They are often interchangeable.
No. It is strictly informal and colloquial. In formal contexts, use synonyms like 'withdraw', 'back out', or 'fail to proceed'.
The act is called 'wimping out'. The person is a 'wimp'. Example: "His wimping out cost us the game."