flaccid
Adjective
Hard difficulty
What does “flaccid” mean?
adjective.(of part of the body) soft and hanging loosely or limply, especially so as to look or feel unpleasant.
SAT Usage
the term is often found in passages related to health, biology, or descriptions of physical states. It emphasizes a lack of vitality or firmness, suggesting not just physical weakness but also a sense of loss or decline, differentiating it from similar words like "limp," which may not carry the same connotation of unpleasantness.
Common Confusions
Flaccid implies a lack of firmness and an unpleasant limpness, while limp usually suggests a temporary state of weakness without the connotation of unpleasantness.
Do not choose flaccid if the context emphasizes firmness or strength rather than being soft and hanging loosely or limply, especially so as to look or feel unpleasant.
Example Sentences
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His handshake was flaccid and made a poor first impression.
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After hours in the sun, the lettuce turned flaccid.