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Definitions

lame duck

[leym duhk] / ˈleɪm ˈdʌk /
NOUN
elected official waiting to leave office
Synonyms


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.

He’s also a lame duck and getting lamer.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 24, 2026

The historical record here may show that being a lame duck insulates a Fed chair from political pressures.

From MarketWatch • Feb. 19, 2026

"I'm not sure he's a lame duck yet," Garret Martin, professor of international relations at American University, told AFP.

From Barron's • Nov. 25, 2025

Congressional leaders from both parties agree on the need to pass PBM reform, and the current "lame duck" legislative session is an ideal opportunity to do so.

From Salon • Nov. 22, 2024

At the moment of shortening sail, our lame duck, the "Mosquito," hove in sight astern, in a sad plight, as is usual with lame ducks.

From In Eastern Seas Or, the Commission of H.M.S. 'Iron Duke,' flag-ship in China, 1878-83 by Smith, J. J.



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