cowardice

noun

cow·​ard·​ice ˈkau̇(-ə)r-dəs 

 dialectal  -(ˌ)dīs

: lack of courage or firmness of purpose

soldiers accused of cowardice

Synonyms

• cowardliness
• cravenness
• dastardliness
• gutlessness
• poltroonery
• pusillanimity
• spinelessness

Examples of cowardice in a Sentence

the cowardice shown by political leaders who were willing to give the Nazis whatever they wanted

Recent Examples on the Web

Government: If this Michigan Legislature fails, once again, to finally make the Freedom of Information Act whole, cowardice will be the only explanation, writes deputy editorial page editor Khalil AlHajal. —Elissa Robinson, Detroit Free Press, 18 Dec. 2024

While the Republicans have a culture of corruption, the Democrats have a culture of cowardice. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 17 Dec. 2024

Some called it cowardice to avoid offending Donald Trump given the billionaire’s various business interests. —Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 4 Dec. 2024

Prophecy so tightly adheres to Villeneuve’s vision that the series feels like an act of cowardice and abdication of creativity. —Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 17 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English cowardise, from Anglo-French coardise, from cuard — see coward

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

cowardice

noun

cow·​ard·​ice ˈkau̇(-ə)rd-əs 

: lack of courage to face danger : shameful fear