1
ADV
[usu ADV
with v] If something happens to you
willy-nilly
, it happens whether you like it or not. □
2
ADV
[usu ADV
after v] If someone does something
willy-nilly
, they do it in a careless and disorganized way, without planning it in advance. □
wilt /w I lt/ (wilts , wilting , wilted )
1
VERB
If a plant
wilts
, it gradually bends downwards and becomes weak because it needs more water or is dying. □ [V
]
2
VERB
If someone
wilts
, they become weak or tired, or lose confidence. □ [V
]
wily
/wa
I
li/ (wilier
, wiliest
) ADJ
If you describe someone or their behaviour as
wily
, you mean that they are clever at achieving what they want, especially by tricking people. □
wimp /w I mp/ (wimps ) N‑COUNT If you call someone a wimp , you disapprove of them because they lack confidence or determination, or because they are often afraid of things. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ]
wimp|ish /w I mp I ʃ/ ADJ Wimpish means the same as wimpy . [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ]
wimpy
/w
I
mpi/ ADJ
If you describe a person or their behaviour as
wimpy
, you disapprove of them because they are weak and seem to lack confidence or determination. [INFORMAL
, DISAPPROVAL
] □
win ◆◆◆ /w I n/ (wins , winning , won )
1
VERB
If you
win
something such as a competition, battle, or argument, you defeat those people you are competing or fighting against, or you do better than everyone else involved. □ [V
n]
2
VERB
If something
wins
you something such as an election, competition, battle, or argument, it causes you to defeat the people competing with you or fighting you, or to do better than everyone else involved. □ [V
n n]
3
VERB
If you
win
something such as a prize or medal, you get it because you have defeated everyone else in something such as an election, competition, battle, or argument, or have done very well in it. □ [V
n]
4
VERB
If you
win
something that you want or need, you succeed in getting it. □ [V
n]
5
VERB
If something
wins
you a prize or
wins
you something else that you want, it causes you to get it. □ [V
n n]
6 → see also winning
7to lose the battle but win the war → see battle
8to win the day → see day
9to win hands down → see hand ➊
▸
win back
PHRASAL VERB
If you
win back
something that you have lost, you get it again, especially as a result of a great effort. □ [V
P
n]
▸
win out
or
win through
PHRASAL VERB
If something or someone
wins out
or
wins through
, they are successful after a competition or struggle. □ [V
P
]