1 B2 idiomatic informal
To avoid doing something challenging or courageous because of fear or weakness.
"He said he'd do the bungee jump but wimped out at the last second."
inseparable
wimp out
B2 informal inseparable intransitive
To avoid doing something difficult, unpleasant, or daring because of weakness or cowardice.
In plain English
To decide not to do something because you are too scared or not strong enough.
What does "wimp out" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 idiomatic informal
To withdraw from a commitment or difficult situation out of a lack of resolve.
"Don't wimp out on us now — we need everyone to come to the protest."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To go out in the manner of a wimp — backing down instead of facing something.
Actually means
To decide not to do something because you are too scared or not strong enough.
Usage tip
Mildly derogatory; implies the person is being weak or cowardly. Common in American English, used both seriously and playfully among friends. The noun 'wimp' (a weak or timid person) is the base.
Words that pair with "wimp out"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
challenge dare confrontation commitment moment
How to conjugate "wimp out"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
wimp out
I/you/we/they
3rd person
wimps out
he/she/it
Past simple
wimped out
yesterday
Past participle
wimped out
have + pp
-ing form
wimping out
continuous
Hear "wimp out" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "wimp out" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Other ways to say "wimp out"
Swap in when you want variety — tap a linked one to explore it.
Keep exploring
Jump to every phrasal verb built on the same verb, particle, or level.