spineless
UK: ˈspaɪnləs | US: ˈspaɪnləs
adj. lacking courage or determination; weak-willed
adj. (biology) lacking a spine or spinal column
The word "spineless" combines "spine," derived from the Latin "spina" (thorn, backbone), with the suffix "-less," meaning "without." Originally used literally in biology to describe organisms without a spine (e.g., invertebrates), it later evolved metaphorically to describe human weakness or lack of resolve. The logic is vivid: just as a spine provides structural support, its absence implies fragility or moral feebleness.
His spineless response to the criticism disappointed his supporters.
Jellyfish are spineless creatures that drift with ocean currents.
The manager’s spineless leadership led to chaos in the team.
She refused to be spineless and stood up for her beliefs.
Critics called the policy spineless for failing to address the core issue.