DictionarylimpLacking firmness or energy
adjective

limp

Lacking firmness, strength, or energy.

The lettuce hangs limp after a day in the heat.

Etymology

Limp describes slackness or lack of stiffness, extending naturally to low energy. Its ultimate origin is uncertain, so no smaller historical components are asserted.

More examples

  • His injured arm lay limp at his side.
  • The flag was limp in the still air.
  • The exhausted dog rested with limp ears.

Forms

limp · limper · limpest

limply adverb — without firmness or energy

Similar words

flaccid
More formal, often describing slack bodily tissue.
slack
Emphasizes looseness or lack of tension.