Lameness

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A condition causing difficulty or inability in moving normally due to injury or illness ; a quality of being dull, unconvincing, or uninspiring
2. The state of being unable to move properly because of pain or defect in a limb or body part ; a characteristic of weakness or failure to engage or impress
3. Impairment in mobility caused by damage to limbs or muscles ; the attribute of being unimpressive, ineffective, or boring

Etymology: Lameness is a plain formation: the adjective "lame" with the suffix "-ness", which turns an adjective into a noun for a state or quality. The suffix has a long pedigree, descending from Proto-Germanic forms that passed through Old English as "-nes" and Middle English as "-nesse" before settling into the modern "-ness" used to build countless abstract nouns from adjectives such as "kindness" and "darkness". The adjective "lame" itself is the older and more interesting half. It has been in English since Old English, and its core sense was physical: a person or animal unable to walk properly because of a damaged or disabled limb. The figurative extension, applying the word to arguments, excuses or performances that fail to convince, came later, which is why "a lame excuse" sounds so natural today. The noun "lameness" carries both senses, so it can describe a limp in a horse's leg or the weakness of an unconvincing argument with equal ease.

Synonyms: disability, weakness

Antonyms: strength, ability