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.
But because of the self-serving cowardice of Republican representatives and senators, he is not being called out on it. Chicago Tribune, 7 Feb. 2025 For instance, courage can lead to recklessness without temperance or result in cowardice when deficient. Mary Crossan, Forbes, 20 Jan. 2025 Here are columns by Michelle Goldberg on Democrats’ immigration cowardice and Thomas Edsall on Trump and revenge. Raymond Zhong, New York Times, 14 Jan. 2025 The pointlessly fragmented Oh, Canada presents aged filmmaker Leonard Fife (Richard Gere) as a study in moral cowardice. Armond White, National Review, 25 Dec. 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 16 Feb. 2025.

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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