fainthearted

[ feynt-hahr-tid ]

/ ˈfeɪntˈhɑr tɪd /

lacking courage; cowardly; timorous.

Nearby words

First recorded in 1400–50, fainthearted is from the late Middle English word feynt hertyd. See faint, hearted

Related formsfaint·heart·ed·ly, adverb

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

In the past, faint-hearted politicians behaved in mostly sensible ways because they were afraid to act recklessly.
Will the Republican Moderates Please Stand Up?|David Frum|October 10, 2013|DAILY BEAST
Emergency rooms are full of the faint, the fainting, and the faint-hearted.
Hillary Clinton Faints: What Caused It?|Kent Sepkowitz|December 15, 2012|DAILY BEAST
The crews, though no faint-hearted fellows, had not as yet learned to place confidence in him.
Notable Voyagers|W.H.G. Kingston and Henry Frith
"You are ever faint-hearted," said Betty, glancing compassionately at her sister.
An Unwilling Maid|Jeanie Gould Lincoln

What a faint-hearted old dog you are, and you were a pilot once.
Luttrell Of Arran|Charles James Lever
I propose the big waggon for faint-hearted climbers, and the little one for rugs and provisions.
Thankful Rest|Annie S. Swan
How do you know she will never accept you, you faint-hearted boy?
The Faith Doctor|Edward Eggleston

adj.

mid-15c., from faint (adj.) + hearted. Related: Faintheartedly; faintheartedness.