Milquetoast

C1 16+

Pronunciation: /ˈmɪlkˌtoʊst/

Definitions of Milquetoast

noun a person who is timid or submissive

Example Sentences

A1 A milquetoast is someone who is timid and easily influenced by others.

A2 The protagonist in the story was portrayed as a milquetoast who lacked the courage to stand up for himself.

B1 The milquetoast character in the play was constantly overshadowed by the more assertive personalities.

B2 Despite his milquetoast demeanor, he surprised everyone by standing up to the bully.

C1 Her milquetoast nature made it difficult for her to assert herself in a competitive work environment.

C2 The politician was criticized for being a milquetoast leader who lacked the strength to make tough decisions.

adjective lacking in strength or character

Example Sentences

A1 She is a milquetoast person who always avoids confrontation.

A2 The milquetoast response from the manager did not address the issue effectively.

B1 His milquetoast leadership style failed to inspire the team.

B2 The milquetoast decision made by the board led to further complications.

C1 The milquetoast approach to negotiations resulted in a stalemate.

C2 Despite his milquetoast demeanor, he was a skilled negotiator behind closed doors.

Examples of Milquetoast in a Sentence

formal The milquetoast response from the politician failed to inspire confidence among the voters.

informal He's such a milquetoast, always avoiding confrontation and conflict.

slang Don't be a milquetoast, stand up for yourself and speak your mind.

figurative Her personality is like a milquetoast, bland and unremarkable.

Grammatical Forms of Milquetoast

past tense

milquetoasted

plural

milquetoasts

comparative

more milquetoast

superlative

most milquetoast

present tense

milquetoasts

future tense

will milquetoast

perfect tense

have milquetoasted

continuous tense

is milquetoasting

singular

milquetoast

positive degree

milquetoast

infinitive

to milquetoast

gerund

milquetoasting

participle

milquetoasted

Origin and Evolution of Milquetoast

First Known Use: 1924 year
Language of Origin: English
Story behind the word: The word 'Milquetoast' originated from the comic strip 'The Timid Soul' created by cartoonist H. T. Webster.
Evolution of the word: Originally used to describe a timid and ineffectual person, the term 'Milquetoast' has evolved to also encompass someone who is bland or unassertive.