wimp out
In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.
Meaning · English
To back out of something because of cowardice.
Register: derogatory, informal
Where it’s used:
Used
American English
Examples
Your son has been a holy terror! He kept getting into trouble and refusing to mind me! After repeatedly trying to get him to behave, I finally gave up. I wimped out. I have the womb to be a parent, but not the backbone.
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Common questions
What does “wimp out” mean?
To back out of something because of cowardice.
Is “wimp out” formal or informal?
wimp out is generally derogatory, informal.