wuss out

USAGE SUMMARY

"wuss out" is a valid phrase that can be used in written English.
It is typically considered an informal expression and is often used in spoken language or informal writing. Example: I was planning to go bungee jumping with my friends, but I wussed out at the last minute.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

It's a film that doesn't wuss out in any way".

The New York Times

Vouchers often expire, so don't drop a bundle on a skydiving package for someone if they are going to wuss out or procrastinate about using it.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

And then Wikipedia decided to wuss out today and our backend server went down".

TechCrunch

It really steams me when companies wuss out by not trying to knock one out of the park, especially when the winning formula is so crystal clear.

TechCrunch

Queenie and Nan wuss out, leaving Zoe to communicate with The Axeman alone.

Huffington Post

Fingers crossed that the CBC doesn't wuss out and make this some Heartland baloney.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

"They all wussed out".

The New York Times

"He wussed out big time," Ms. Fields decided.

The New York Times

Wussing out was never quite an option for Mr. Childs, at least when he was growing up.

The New York Times

I wanted this blue-collar factory uniform to be less preening and wussed out, and I wanted it to be well under $325.

The New York Times

The Lost Boys found their adultless world in Neverland, but at the end – with the honourable exception of Peter Pan – they wussed out and came back to be grown-ups.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "wuss out" in informal conversations or writing to convey a sense of humor or self-deprecation when admitting to avoiding something due to fear.

Common error

Avoid using "wuss out" in formal or professional writing, as it can come across as unprofessional. Choose more appropriate alternatives like "hesitate" or "decline" instead.

Linguistic Context

Wuss out functions as a phrasal verb, indicating the act of failing to proceed with something due to fear or lack of confidence. Ludwig provides examples illustrating its use in various contexts, reinforcing its function as a verb describing an action.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "wuss out" is an informal phrasal verb that means to fail to do something because of cowardice. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides numerous examples from news, media, and wiki sources. While grammatically correct, it's best used in informal settings. For formal writing, consider alternatives like "hesitate" or "decline". The phrase is most frequently found in News & Media, indicating its common usage in describing real-world situations where someone lacks courage or resolve.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

chicken out

Implies backing down from something due to fear or cowardice.

back down

Suggests withdrawing from a commitment or challenge, often due to pressure or fear.

lose nerve

Indicates a sudden loss of courage or confidence.

get cold feet

Refers to becoming apprehensive or fearful at the last moment before a significant event or decision.

flake out

Implies failing to follow through on a commitment or promise.

cave in

Suggests succumbing to pressure or fear, leading to a change in stance or decision.

shrink from

Indicates avoiding something due to fear or reluctance.

give way

Implies yielding to fear or pressure, resulting in a failure to act.

recoil from

Suggests drawing back in fear or disgust.

show a yellow streak

Reveals cowardice or a lack of bravery in the face of danger or challenge.

FAQs

What does it mean to "wuss out"?

To "wuss out" means to fail to do something because of cowardice or a lack of courage.

How can I use "wuss out" in a sentence?

You can say, "He was going to ask her out, but he "chickened out" at the last minute" demonstrating he lost his nerve.

What's a more formal way to say "wuss out"?

More formal alternatives to "wuss out" include phrases like "back down" or "recede from the challenge".

Is it grammatically correct to use "wuss out"?

Yes, "wuss out" is a grammatically correct phrasal verb, although it's considered informal.