has no backbone

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "has no backbone" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe someone who lacks courage, determination, or the ability to stand up for themselves or their beliefs. Example: "In the face of criticism, he showed that he has no backbone by not defending his ideas."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

He has no backbone".

The New Yorker

It has no backbone... say what you like about the Daily Mail, they are a commitment newspaper," Owen told him.

The Guardian

Unlike Natalka, the movie has no backbone, flopping from scene to scene without any sense of scope or spectacle.

The New York Times

Vaughn A. Carney Stowe, Vt., July 22, 2010 To the Editor: The Sherrod affair has unfortunately confirmed my suspicion of the Obama administration: it has no backbone.

The New York Times

Ivan Maisel of ESPN.com prefers to think of it as progress in how 'Bama deals with its transgressions and Kevin Blackistone writes on Fanhouse.com that it shows the N.C.A.A. still has no backbone.

The New York Times

Because the U.S. government has no backbone and ruins its own ideas (such as the National Broadband Plan) because they give into corporate lobbyists.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

"And the politicians have no backbone.

The Guardian - Tech

Now people think I have no backbone.

The New York Times

Republicans lost because they have no backbone.

The New York Times

Too much of the latter meant they had no backbone; too much of the former meant they were mollycoddled.

Harvard University

Now it is Riley who wants attention during work hours, and I find I have no backbone at all.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "has no backbone" to describe a person, ensure the context clearly illustrates their lack of courage or resolve. Avoid using it in situations where a more nuanced critique is necessary.

Common error

While "has no backbone" is acceptable in many contexts, be mindful of its somewhat informal tone. In professional or academic writing, consider using more formal alternatives such as "lacks resolve" or "is indecisive" to maintain a more serious tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "has no backbone" functions as a descriptive idiom, typically used to characterize a person, organization, or entity as lacking strength, courage, or resolve. This aligns with Ludwig AI's observation about its use in describing someone who lacks courage or determination.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

20%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "has no backbone" is a common idiom used to describe someone or something lacking courage, strength, or resolve. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely understood, though more formal alternatives may be preferable in certain contexts. Its frequency is uncommon, appearing most often in news and media sources. When using this phrase, ensure the context clearly supports the assertion of weakness or indecision, and be mindful of its potentially critical tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is spineless

Directly implies a lack of courage or moral strength, similar to the original phrase.

lacks resolve

Focuses on the absence of determination or firmness of purpose.

is weak-willed

Highlights the inability to resist desires or impulses.

is easily swayed

Highlights the susceptibility to influence from others, indicating a lack of personal conviction.

has no moral fiber

Indicates a lack of strong ethical principles or integrity.

lacks fortitude

Emphasizes a deficiency in courage and endurance when facing adversity.

shows no grit

Indicates an absence of toughness or courage, especially in difficult situations.

is indecisive

Points to an inability to make firm decisions, suggesting a lack of conviction.

is a pushover

Suggests someone who is easily taken advantage of due to their lack of resistance.

is pliant

Implies being easily bent or influenced, lacking resistance.

FAQs

What does it mean when someone "has no backbone"?

When someone "has no backbone", it means they lack courage, determination, or the ability to stand up for themselves or their beliefs. It suggests a weakness in character or an unwillingness to take a firm stance.

What can I say instead of "has no backbone" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, you can use alternatives like "lacks resolve", "is indecisive", or "is weak-willed". These options are less colloquial and more appropriate for professional or academic settings.

Is it appropriate to use the phrase "has no backbone" in professional communication?

While the phrase "has no backbone" is widely understood, it's generally considered informal. In professional communication, it's often better to opt for more neutral and descriptive language that conveys the same meaning without sounding judgmental or overly critical. For example, try "lacks conviction".

How can I use "has no backbone" in a sentence?

You can use "has no backbone" to describe someone who doesn't stand up for themselves or lacks courage. For example: "The politician was criticized for caving to pressure; many felt he "has no backbone"."