cowardice

American  

[kou-er-dis] / ˈkaʊ ər dɪs /

noun

1. lack of courage to face danger, difficulty, opposition, pain, etc.

   Synonyms:

   timidity, pusillanimity

   Antonyms:

   bravery

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cowardice British  

/ ˈkaʊədɪs /

noun

1. lack of courage in facing danger, pain, or difficulty

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Etymology

Origin of cowardice

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English cowardise, from Old French co(u)ardise; equivalent to coward + -ice

Explanation

Cowardice is a lack of bravery. If you run away screaming when your Uncle Marvin shows up to the Halloween party in a clown mask, you will betray your cowardice — particularly if you're not a child. The opposite of courageousness is cowardice. For example, not standing up for someone who's being bullied shows cowardice. The origin of the words coward and cowardice has been traced to the Latin word for "tail," coda, showing a connection with a popular phrase that describes cowardice: "walking away with their tails between their legs."

Example Sentences

The book chronicles her "vague feelings" before the trial: "The closer it got, the more I imagined myself becoming a hostage to their stares, their lies, their cowardice, and their contempt," she wrote.

From Barron's • Feb. 10, 2026

"The people who refused to condemn Candace's truly vicious attacks - and some of them are speaking here tonight - are guilty of cowardice," Shapiro said.

From BBC • Dec. 19, 2025

“The sense of security in our community has, again, been shattered by the act of cowardice and hate that is unacceptable,” David Englin, senior regional director of the ADL Los Angeles said in a statement.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 15, 2025

Whatever else may be said about Mr. Murray, he can’t be accused of dishonesty or cowardice.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 17, 2025

He despised his gutless reaction to Joe’s dilemma; he couldn’t stand his cowardice.

From "The Milagro Beanfield War" by John Nichols