lame

¹lame

adj \ˈlām\

lam·erlam·est

Definition of LAME

1

a : having a body part and especially a limb so disabled as to impair freedom of movement b : marked by stiffness and soreness <a lame shoulder>

2

: lacking needful or desirable substance : weak, ineffectual <a lame excuse>

3

slang : not being in the know : square

4

a : inferior <a lame school> b : contemptible, nasty <lame racist jokes>

— lame·ly adverb

— lame·ness noun

Examples of LAME

1. The horse had gone lame, and it grew lamer.
2. The accident left him lame for life.
3. He offered a lame apology for his actions.
4. She's nice, but her boyfriend is really lame.

Origin of LAME

Middle English, from Old English lama; akin to Old High German lam lame, Lithuanian limti to break down

First Known Use: before 12th century

Related to LAME

Synonyms: cheap, cruddy, deplorable, despicable, dirty, grubby, contemptible, lousy, mean, nasty, paltry, pitiable, pitiful, ratty, scabby, scummy, scurvy, sneaking, sorry, wretched

Antonyms: admirable, commendable, creditable, laudable, meritorious, praiseworthy

Related Words: abhorrent, abominable, condemnable, detestable, execrable, hateful, loathsome, odious; disgusting, reptilian, repugnant, repulsive, revolting, revulsive; discreditable, disgraceful, dishonorable, disreputable, ignominious, shameful; base, ignoble, low, shabby, sordid, squalid, vile; blamable, censurable, reprehensible, reproachable; cowardly, craven, dastardly; unethical, unprincipled, unscrupulous

Near Antonyms: high-minded, honest, honorable, noble, principled, redoubtable, reputable, right-minded, scrupulous, upright; ethical, good, moral, right, righteous, virtuous

see all synonyms and antonyms

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Rhymes with LAME

aim, blame, came, claim, dame, fame, flame, frame, game, hame, kame, maim, name, same, shame, tame, wame