# limp

/ˈɫɪmp/ (US) · /lˈɪmp/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/limp
Updated: 2026-05-06

## Definition

to walk with difficulty because one of your legs or feet is hurt. You might do this if you have a sore ankle or a broken toe.

For teachers: to walk with an uneven or labored gait, typically as a result of injury or physical impairment. Often used to describe the movement of damaged vehicles or struggling organizations.

## Examples

- He had to limp back to the car after twisting his ankle.
- The injured player began to limp toward the sidelines, signaling to the coach that he needed a substitution.
- Even after the surgery, the dog continued to limp slightly on its hind leg, though the vet assured the owners that it was no longer in any pain.

## Usage notes

- The verb is intransitive and does not take a direct object.

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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.