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Definition of wuss

wuss

/wʊs/
wuss
Plural:wusses
•
Adjective:wussy
•
Past Simple:wussed
•
Past Participle:wussed
•
Present Participle:wussing
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wuss Lexical Profile

wuss Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A weak, timid, or cowardly person who lacks resolve or avoids mild discomfort (informal).

Example

"My brother teased me for being a wuss when I refused to jump into the freezing lake."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• verb

1

To fail to do something because of fear, timidity, or lack of courage (informal, usually followed by "out").

Example

"He promised to try the hottest pepper on the menu, but he wussed out at the last second."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for wuss
Antonyms
View all antonyms for wuss

Word Nuance & Usage

When used as a verb, "wuss" is almost exclusively followed by the particle "out" (as in "to wuss out") to indicate backing out of something due to fear or timidity.

• Rhymes for wuss

• Nearby Words

wuppertal
wurst
wurzburg
wuss
wussy
wuxi
wyandotte

Word Origin & Etymology

Originating in late 20th-century American slang, the word is widely considered a lexical blend of "wimp" and "pussy" (in its slang sense of a timid person).

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Wuss. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/wuss
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