spineless

• Décrit une personne manquant de courage, de détermination ou de force morale ; peut aussi désigner littéralement un animal sans colonne vertébrale.

Describes a person lacking courage, determination, or moral strength; also used literally to describe an animal without a spine.

1. Lacking courage or willpowerB2informal

   Weak in character, lacking determination, courage, or the ability to stand up for oneself.

   sans courage, lâche

   • He was too spineless to confront his boss about the unfair treatment.
   • The politician gave a spineless response to the crisis.
   • She called him spineless for not defending his own ideas.

   Synonymescowardlyfaint-heartedfeeblegutlessindecisiveineffectualirresolutepusillanimoussofttimidtimorouswimpishyellow

   Antonymesbackboneboldbravecourageousdeterminedfirmgutsyresolutespiritedstrong-willed

2. Lacking a backboneC1formalscientific

   Describing an animal that does not have a vertebral column or spinal column.

   Sans colonne vertébrale

   • Jellyfish are spineless creatures that drift through the ocean.
   • The biologist studied spineless marine organisms.
   • Spineless animals make up a large portion of the animal kingdom.

   Synonymesinvertebrate

3. Lacking spines or thornsC2formalscientific

   Referring to a plant or animal that naturally lacks spiny processes, thorns, or prickles.

   Sans épines

   • The spineless cactus is popular for indoor gardening.
   • This variety of rose is spineless, making it easier to handle.
   • Spineless plants are often preferred in landscaping for safety.

   Synonymesthornlessunarmed

   Antonymespricklyspinythorny