lame duck Definition

lame duck
noun

1. Someone who depends on the help of others to an excessive extent.
(US)
2. An elected official who is in the final months of office, after a successor has been appointed.
3. A company that has financial problems, especially one that is looking for government subsidy to survive.
4. stock exchange.
Someone who is unable to meet the financial liabilities they have taken on. Compare bear² noun 4, bull¹ noun 4.

Etymology: 18c: originally a stock market term which extended to a more general meaning in 19c.