Meaning: In a weak or ineffective way:
* He tried to explain his absence, but his excuse sounded lamely.
* The team's defense played lamely and allowed the other team to score easily.
* The comedian's jokes fell lamely and the audience remained silent.
Meaning: In a limping or unsteady way:
* The injured runner walked lamely across the finish line.
* After the fall, the dog limped lamely back to its owner.
* He was lamely trying to get out of the car, his legs refusing to cooperate.
Meaning: In a way that lacks force or conviction:
* He lamely defended his decision, offering little more than a shrug.
* The politician lamely tried to explain his involvement in the scandal.
* Her explanation for the missing money was lamely unconvincing.