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DictionarymilquetoastTimid and unassertive
noun / adjective

milquetoast

MILK-tohst/ˈmɪlkˌtoʊst/

Lacking confidence or forcefulness, or a person who is this way.

He is such a milquetoast that he never voices objections.

A timid adult visibly yields his place in a checkout line to an assertive stranger, shrinking aside instead of resisting.
Etymology
milqueEnglishmilk
+toastEnglishtoasted bread

Milk-softened toast already suggested softness figuratively. The timid cartoon character Caspar Milquetoast, whose name appears to evoke that dish, gave his name to a meek or easily dominated person.

More examples

  • The committee's milquetoast response does little to address our concerns.
  • She refuses to be a milquetoast and asks for a raise.
  • The coach wants assertive players, not milquetoasts.

Forms

milquetoast · milquetoasts

Similar words

timid
Emphasizes fear or hesitation rather than lack of forcefulness.
meek
Suggests quiet submission, sometimes viewed positively rather than critically.
pushover
A person easily persuaded or defeated, not necessarily shy.