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

The evasion of the narrative of an anointing or a coronation is already central to the character of her campaign, lest the voter feel hostage to the indecision and cowardice of her party. —Doreen St. Félix, The New Yorker, 23 July 2024

The last meter in the corridor of life – of a man, of a regime, of a nation – where truths previously kept at bay by hypocrisy, political necessity, dissimulation, cowardice come out. —Georg Szalai, The Hollywood Reporter, 6 Aug. 2024

Despite the cowardice of the courts, Uncle Robbie has no intention of stopping. —Maggie Knight-Williams, refinery29.com, 22 Jan. 2024

This kind of cowardice must be roundly condemned by all Americans. —Tony Roberts, Baltimore Sun, 14 July 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