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.
Their children and grandchildren will read about their silence, acquiescence, and cowardice. Tom Zirpoli, Baltimore Sun, 22 Apr. 2025 Complacency, cowardice and meek self-preservation won’t do here and now. New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 19 Apr. 2025 The actions of Jeff Bezos, Mark Zuckerberg, and the rest of the tech bros in the wake of Trump’s election have been profiles in cowardice. Dev Patnaik, Forbes, 12 Mar. 2025 The cynicism derives from at least two interrelated forms of corporate cowardice. Justin Chang, The New Yorker, 22 Mar. 2025 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Cowardice.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cowardice. Accessed 2 May. 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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