Meaning & use
being a pushover
Last updated
Meaning
phrasefixed phraseinformal
the state or habit of being easily persuaded or controlled by others, often because you avoid conflict.
Grammar: Used as a noun phrase: 'Being a pushover isn't good.' It often follows verbs like 'hate', 'stop', or 'avoid'.
Patterns
- being a pushover
- stop being a pushover
- hate being a pushover
She hates being a pushover, so she is learning to say no.
Being a pushover at work can lead to extra tasks and stress.
He realized that being a pushover made people respect him less.
Common combinations
- stop being a pushover
- You need to stop being a pushover and stand up for yourself.
- being a pushover with someone
- He is a pushover with his kids and buys them everything.
- being a pushover at work
- Being a pushover at work means you get all the boring jobs.
- being a pushover for something
- She is a pushover for chocolate; she can't resist it.
Synonyms and how they differ
- doormat
- Similar but more negative and informal; it suggests someone who lets others treat them badly.
- weakling
- Focuses on lack of strength or courage, not just being easily persuaded.
Opposites
Word family
- pushover noun
- A person who is easily persuaded or defeated.
Commonly confused: being a pushover or pushover?
being a pushover vs pushover
The noun 'pushover' refers to the person; 'being a pushover' refers to the state or habit.
Practice
Which sentence uses 'being a pushover' correctly?
Choose one answer.
The phrase 'being a pushover' is used as a noun phrase, but when describing a person's general character, we say 'She is a pushover'. Option 1 is wrong because 'being' suggests a temporary state, not a permanent trait. Option 2 is missing the article 'a'. Option 3 is missing both 'a' and 'being'.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “being a pushover”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.