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Meaning & use

wishy-washy

adjective·Everydayinformaldisapproving

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UK/ˈwɪʃi ˌwɒʃi/
US/ˈwɪʃi ˌwɑːʃi/
Usage warning: this word is disapproving. It shows a negative opinion, so take care with who and what you use it about.

Meanings

  1. adjectivecomparableinformaldisapproving

    Unwilling to take a firm stand, and tending to change one's mind or give unclear answers.

    Grammar: Describes people, answers or policies: a wishy-washy reply.

    Patterns

    • wishy-washy about something

    The manager's wishy-washy answer left everyone confused.

    Don't be wishy-washy; tell me whether you're coming.

    The senator was criticized for a wishy-washy stance on the issue.

  2. adjectivecomparableinformal

    Weak, thin or pale in flavor, color or quality, without much strength.

    Grammar: Describes things like tea, soup, colors or writing.

    Patterns

    • wishy-washy tea
    • a wishy-washy color

    The soup was wishy-washy and needed more salt.

    She painted the room a wishy-washy beige.

    The movie's wishy-washy ending disappointed the audience.

Word forms

comparativewishy-washier
superlativewishy-washiest

Common combinations

a wishy-washy answer
He gave a wishy-washy answer when asked about the budget.
a wishy-washy policy
The party's wishy-washy policy lost it votes.
wishy-washy about
She was wishy-washy about the date.
a wishy-washy color
The walls were a wishy-washy yellow.
wishy-washy tea
I can't stand wishy-washy tea.

Synonyms and how they differ

indecisive
Indecisive simply means unable to decide, while wishy-washy is more critical and sounds weak.
vague
Vague means not clear in detail, whereas wishy-washy adds a sense of weak or evasive character.
bland
Bland means mild and uninteresting in taste or manner, and does not suggest indecision.
spineless
Spineless is far harsher and suggests cowardice, whereas wishy-washy is milder.

Opposites

decisivefirm

Word family

wishy-washiness noun
The quality of being weak or indecisive.
washed-out adjective
Pale or faded.

Commonly confused: wishy-washy or wishful?

wishy-washy vs wishful

Wishful describes believing in something because you want it, but wishy-washy describes being weak or indecisive.

Practice

When the boss asked whether we should launch, the consultant said "maybe yes, maybe no." The boss called his reply ______.

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