Meanings
-
1
noun
a physically weak or frail person
He trained steadily because he was tired of being dismissed as a weakling.
-
2
noun
a person regarded as weak in character or courage
The commander mocked anyone who hesitated as a weakling.
Thesaurus
Etymology
Formed from weak + the diminutive or person-forming suffix -ling. The suffix gives the noun a disparaging force: a weakling is not merely weak but is contemptuously characterized by weakness.