Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
Showing results for on the ropes.
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.

A bizarre opening round saw the heavyweights become tangled on the ropes, continuing to throw punches while ignoring the referee's calls to break.

From BBC • Apr. 4, 2026

The attorney general was always on the ropes but thought she was finally on safer footing.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026

With Ireland already on the ropes, Ollivon surged past Caelan Doris and slid across the whitewash to give the hosts a commanding halfway lead.

From BBC • Feb. 5, 2026

His emotions began showing and he was on the ropes as he fell 4-1 down in the second set in the Margaret Court Arena sunshine.

From Barron's • Jan. 23, 2026

When it was standing fully upright on its flat base, the men were ordered to stop pulling on the ropes.

From "The (Mostly) True Story of Cleopatra's Needle" by Dan Gutman