limp

To walk unevenly because one leg or foot hurts or does not work properly.

• He limps when he walks.
• She limped home after hurting her ankle.
• Why are you limping today?

How to use it: limp into/out of somewhere (He limped out of the room.)

Similar words: hobble

Common phrases: limp home, limp along, limp into something

To travel slowly or with difficulty because an engine or other moving parts are damaged.

• The damaged ship limped into port.
• Our car limped home with engine trouble.
• The plane was limping back to base on one engine.

How to use it: limp into somewhere (The boat limped into the harbour.)

Common phrases: limp home, limp into port, limp back

To continue slowly or unevenly, with difficulty.

• The project limped along for months.
• Negotiations limped forward without a clear result.
• The poem limps whenever the rhythm changes.

How to use it: limp along (The business limped along until new funding arrived.)

Similar words: struggle, falter

Common phrases: limp along, limp forward, limp toward something

An uneven way of walking, usually caused by pain or weakness in one leg or foot.

• He walks with a limp.
• The injury left her with a slight limp.
• His limp became more noticeable as he grew tired.

How to use it: with a limp (She walked with a limp after the accident.)

Common phrases: a slight limp, with a limp, develop a limp

Soft and unable to hold its shape firmly.

• The lettuce was limp.
• His wet hair hung limp around his face.
• Her body went limp when she fainted.

Similar words: floppy, flaccid

Opposites: stiff, firm

Common phrases: limp hair, go limp, limp handshake