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.

The New York Knicks were on the ropes Friday night in a pivotal Game 2 of the NBA Finals.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 9, 2026

“We got them on the ropes and then it’s our job to try to finish.”

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 25, 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

Right-hand side, packed penalty area, Celtic on the ropes, Rangers finding impetus if not accuracy.

From BBC • Mar. 8, 2026

When he came within range, Brian gave the word, and we jerked back on the ropes.

From "The Glass Castle" by Jeannette Walls