Definitions

on the ropes

ADJECTIVE

enervated

Synonyms

STRONG

debilitated deteriorated devitalized enfeebled fatigued incapacitated languishing limp paralyzed prostrate prostrated sapped spent tired undermined unnerved vitiated weakened

WEAK

done in feeble gone to seed lackadaisical languid languorous listless out of condition out of gas out of shape run down rusty soft spiritless washed out weak

Antonyms

STRONG

active energized invigorated refreshed straight strong

WEAK

activated animated enthusiastic lively strengthened

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.

But it might be debt, not equity, that has SpaceX on the ropes on Monday.

From Barron's • Jun. 22, 2026

Federer appeared on the ropes as he trailed 0-40 on serve at 3-3 in the third set but recovered with five straight points to hold.

From BBC • Jun. 18, 2026

Just five years ago, North Korea, and seemingly Kim himself, appeared to be on the ropes.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 8, 2026

The Dodgers had Sandy Alcantara on the ropes most of the afternoon, putting runners on in five of the six innings he pitched.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 29, 2026

Azar grinned and went to work on the ropes.

From "The Things They Carried" by Tim O'Brien

on the ropes

Example Sentences

Related Words