adjective
anemic
uh-NEE-mik/əˈnimɪk/
Weak or lacking energy and force.
The anemic seedling droops beside a healthy plant.
Etymology
A medical sense “deficient in blood” broadened figuratively to weakness, paleness, or lack of force.
More examples
- The team's anemic attack produced no goals.
- Sales showed only anemic growth.
Forms
anemic
Similar words
- feeble
- Emphasizes very little strength.
- sluggish
- Emphasizes slow activity rather than weakness alone.