milquetoast

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "milquetoast" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a person who is timid, meek, or submissive, often lacking in assertiveness or strong opinions. Example: "Despite his intelligence, he often comes across as a milquetoast in meetings, never voicing his ideas or concerns."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Tom Rosenthal is the perfect choice to play crap-haired milquetoast Alfred the Great, thrust on to the throne after the deaths of all four of his elder brothers.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

But at its best, the show has the ability to make viewers care about its characters (Carol has developed from milquetoast into a modern-day equivalent of the Ellen Ripley of the "Alien" films), to deliver genuine shocks and to raise some decent moral dilemmas.

The Economist

The attorney-general is a skilled prosecutor with a milquetoast public profile who has run a somewhat boring campaign.

The Economist

DEPENDING on your perspective, it was either a pointless bit of argy-bargy outside a milquetoast legislative council or a soul-stirring "siege of Legco".

The Economist

Neither deserved it, suggests Mr Blom.Voltaire, he insists, was a milquetoast careerist, too concerned with his own reputation and his comfortable life to say anything truly unsettling.

The Economist

After a blog called him "milquetoast establishment" for not endorsing a conservative candidate in New York over a moderate Republican, Mr Pawlenty hastily endorsed the conservative.

The Economist

Robinson delivered another extraordinary performance as the appropriately named Chris Cross, a milquetoast department-store cashier whose shrewish wife (Rosalind Ivan) denies him every pleasure except the one he finds as a weekend painter.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Just as Breaking Bad depicted Walter's moral descent from milquetoast high school chemistry teacher to meth kingpin, so Better Call Saul will chart Jimmy's development from broke public defender to local TV celebrity and facilitator of organised crime.

Independent

Singer, songwriter, and so much more Singer-songwriter seems a little milquetoast for a multi-faceted artist such as Juana Molina, who writes everything, performs all the instruments – veering between the organic and the electronic – while recording and producing the thing as well.

Independent

All he needed was a trigger to explode his notion of who his barbecuing buddy really is: the mild-mannered, milquetoast chemistry teacher.

Independent

But even Jokowi's most milquetoast statements about reconciliation have met harsh resistance from conservative politicians and Islamist groups, who paint the P.K.I. as a symbol of the secular and progressive forces that they believe continue to undermine Indonesia.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "milquetoast" to describe a character who is not only timid but also lacks strong convictions or backbone, making them easily manipulated or overlooked.

Common error

While "milquetoast" is widely understood, its slightly informal and sometimes pejorative tone might not be suitable for all formal writing. Consider more neutral alternatives like "unassertive" or "reserved" in professional contexts.

Linguistic Context

The word "milquetoast" primarily functions as an adjective or noun, describing someone who is timid, meek, and easily dominated. It often carries a negative connotation, highlighting a lack of assertiveness or strength of character. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

9%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "milquetoast" is a well-established adjective and noun used to describe someone timid or lacking in assertiveness. It's considered grammatically correct and quite common, especially in journalistic contexts. While generally neutral, it often carries a slightly negative connotation and may not be suitable for all formal situations. Ludwig AI confirms this assessment. Consider alternatives like "timid person" or "meek individual" for a more neutral tone. When using "milquetoast", ensure the context aligns with its slightly informal and potentially critical implications to effectively convey the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

timid person

Emphasizes a lack of courage or confidence. It's a more straightforward description of someone's character.

meek individual

Suggests submissiveness and a willingness to endure hardship without complaint. Implies a gentler nature.

submissive character

Highlights a tendency to yield to the authority or will of others. Focuses on behavior rather than inherent personality.

unassertive type

Directly points out the lack of assertiveness. This is a more neutral and clinical term.

spineless individual

A stronger, more negative term suggesting a lack of moral courage or resolve. More critical in tone.

weak-willed person

Highlights a lack of determination and resolve. Focuses on the absence of inner strength.

easily intimidated

Describes someone who is readily frightened or deterred by others. Focuses on the effect of external pressure.

pushover

An informal term for someone easily persuaded or taken advantage of. Carries a negative connotation.

doormat

A derogatory term for someone who allows themselves to be treated badly by others. Strong negative connotation.

yes-man

Describes someone who always agrees with their superior, often to gain favor. Focuses on obsequious behavior.

FAQs

How do you use "milquetoast" in a sentence?

"Milquetoast" can be used as an adjective to describe a person or thing that is timid, meek, or bland. For example, "He was a "milquetoast" politician who avoided taking strong stances on any issues."

What are some synonyms for "milquetoast"?

Synonyms for "milquetoast" include "timid person", "meek individual", "unassertive type", and "spineless individual". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "milquetoast" a positive or negative term?

"Milquetoast" generally carries a negative connotation, suggesting a lack of strength, courage, or assertiveness. It implies that someone is easily dominated or overlooked.

What is the origin of the word "milquetoast"?

The word "milquetoast" comes from the comic strip character Caspar Milquetoast, created by H.T. Webster in 1924, who was known for his timid and ineffectual nature.