# flaccid

/ˈfɫækɪd/ (US) · /flˈæsɪd/ (UK) · CEFR C2 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/flaccid
Updated: 2026-10-16

## Definition

soft and loose, with no firmness or strength. You use it for muscles, skin, or things that hang down instead of staying firm.

For teachers: lacking firmness, stiffness, or muscle tone; soft and limp. Often describes muscles, tissue, or objects that have lost tension or vigour.

## Examples

- His injured arm feels weak and flaccid.
- After weeks in a cast, her leg muscles look flaccid and need exercise to regain strength.
- The sail hung flaccid in the windless heat, its canvas drooping against the mast while the crew waited for a breeze.

## Synonyms

limp, flabby, saggy

## Antonyms

firm, hard

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.