half-ass

verb

ˈhaf-ˈas How to pronounce half-ass (audio)
ˈhäf-ˈäs
half-assed; half-assing; half-asses

transitive verb

informal + impolite
: to do (something) poorly due to lack of care or effort
In moments where you see your son half-assing something, it's important to call him out to ensure he's putting forth his best effort.Chris Illuminati

Examples of half-ass in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Rihanna, Ciara and Katy Perry put their heads together for a meeting of the stars who never half-ass the Met Gala dress code. Catherine Santino, PEOPLE, 5 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1954, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of half-ass was in 1954

Cite this Entry

“Half-ass.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/half-ass. Accessed 21 May. 2026.

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