cowardice

noun

cow·​ard·​ice ˈkau̇(-ə)r-dəs How to pronounce cowardice (audio)
 dialectal  -(ˌ)dīs
: lack of courage or firmness of purpose
soldiers accused of cowardice

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
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.
Read: The cowardice of open letters Predictably, the letter has led to a backlash. Arash Azizi, The Atlantic, 20 Nov. 2024 Are these companies holding back out of budgetary reasons, out of cowardice, out of political disagreement? Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 1 Nov. 2024 That’s a result of Netanyahu’s cowardice in relation to his far-right coalition partners who have threatened to quit the government. Isaac Chotiner, The New Yorker, 24 Oct. 2024 The corporate hierarchy in Hollywood ran away from The Apprentice like their hair was on fire, because of cowardice. Mike Fleming Jr, Deadline, 11 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for cowardice 

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of cowardice was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near cowardice

Cite this Entry

“Cowardice.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cowardice. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

cowardice

noun
cow·​ard·​ice ˈkau̇(-ə)rd-əs How to pronounce cowardice (audio)
: lack of courage to face danger : shameful fear

More from Merriam-Webster on cowardice

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