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

Example Sentences

Its new meaning: journalism by journalists who, in their personal cowardice and cravenness, deny their audiences the truths that their audiences are owed.

From The Wall Street Journal

We already know the results of silence and cowardice in the face of totalitarianism.

From Salon

Because that cowardice and blindness, that failure of imagination, are signs of impending doom.

From Salon

He has checkmated establishment Republicans with their own cowardice and hypocrisy.

From Los Angeles Times

And the place to start is by understanding what a menace media cowardice has become to our politics, how corrupting for Democrats particularly.

From The Wall Street Journal