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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.

They lacked shape, going left and right without making any progress - like a boxer on the ropes punching for their life but not actually hitting anything.

From BBC • Feb. 15, 2026

Having narrowly beaten the drop last campaign, Hoffenheim had battling Bremen on the ropes from the opening minute.

From Barron's • Jan. 27, 2026

The USC men’s basketball team had its opponent on the ropes midway through the first half, but was unable to deliver the knockout blow Saturday afternoon at Galen Center.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 17, 2026

City were on the ropes and just about absorbing shots as they clung on for the points.

From BBC • Dec. 2, 2025

Azar grinned and went to work on the ropes.

From "The Things They Carried" by Tim O'Brien