WordValelame duck
an official whose successor has already been chosen
In more detail
1. (noun) a president or elected official who has lost power because their term is ending or they lost an election
2. (noun) a person or organization that is not successful and cannot function well
3. (noun) a duck that cannot walk or fly properly because of injury
Examples
- 1. The president became a lame duck after losing the election.
- 2. The company was a lame duck after losing its main customers.
- 3. The hunter found a lame duck on the shore.
How to use lame duck
Lame duck most commonly refers to a political leader in their final period of office who has diminished power and authority. It is also used more broadly to describe any person or organization that is struggling or ineffectual. The term carries a mildly derogatory tone but is standard in both political and general usage.
Common phrases
- lame duck president
- lame duck session
- lame duck official
- become a lame duck
- lame duck period
Synonyms
failed leader · powerless official · weak performer · incapacitated creature
Word family
lame · duck
A common mistake
Learners sometimes assume it refers only to the literal injured waterfowl, missing its important figurative political meaning which is now the primary usage.
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