Definitions

lame duck

[leym duhk] / ˈleɪm ˈdʌk /

NOUN

elected official waiting to leave office

Synonyms

WEAK

crumbling power holdover incumbent loser weak administration weakling

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

So there may not be any significant surprises from the Fed on Wednesday, especially now that Powell is essentially a lame duck.

From Barron's • Apr. 28, 2026

He’s also a lame duck and getting lamer.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 24, 2026

Powell became a lame duck almost immediately after President Donald Trump was inaugurated in January 2025.

From MarketWatch • Feb. 19, 2026

Are these the actions of a lame duck, or of a leader who continues to wield great power?

From Salon • Dec. 2, 2025

"Oh, mother," hummed Fanny to the music of the lame duck as she practised before the mirror, "how can you really hurt a man?"

From Life and Gabriella The Story of a Woman's Courage by Glasgow, Ellen Anderson Gholson