: a mat placed before or inside a door for wiping dirt from the shoes
2
: one that submits without protest to abuse or indignities
3
: a team that regularly finishes last
Synonyms
jellyfish
namby-pamby
pushover
reed
weakling
wimp
See all Synonyms & Antonyms
Example Sentences
She was tired of being a doormat and decided it was time to stand up for herself. a doormat who always gave in to his father's demands
Recent Examples on the WebInside a bewildering development of modest townhomes, Medulan tucked the plastic delivery bag next to the doormat. Sarah Varney, USA TODAY, 28 Apr. 2022 Each mat has Psalm 91 written on it, plus the doormat is slip-resistant. Elizabeth Berry, Woman's Day, 3 June 2022 One easy way to decorate for spring without spending too much time and money is to liven up your front door with an artificial wreath and doormat. Carly Kulzer, PEOPLE.com, 14 Mar. 2022 Not every team with two first-round picks was a perennial doormat: Kansas City and the Packers each chose twice in the wake of the Hill and Adams trades. Mike Tanier, New York Times, 1 May 2022 Josh Paschal became a fixture at Kentucky and was one of the faces as the program went through a renaissance, from doormat of the SEC to one of the league's best defenses. Tony Garcia, Detroit Free Press, 30 Apr. 2022 Welcome Easter egg hunters with this spring farmhouse doormat that blends in with most entryway decor. Lily Gray, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 Mar. 2022 After winning just 22 games last season and 19 each the previous two, the Cavs were expected to be a doormat once again. Chris Fedor, cleveland, 15 Apr. 2022 Shoppers have left glowing reviews for the doormat, which has more than 11,500 five-star ratings. Isabel Garcia, PEOPLE.com, 2 Feb. 2022 See More
Word History
First Known Use
1665, in the meaning defined at sense 1
doormats
noun
plural of doormat
as in cowards
a person without strength of character a doormat who always gave in to his father's demands