cowardice
noun
cow·ard·ice
ˈkau̇(-ə)r-dəs 
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
Such cancellations are a blot on the escutcheon of the left as certainly as cancellations from the right, and the deference of any publisher to them a mark of rank cowardice.
—
Literary Hub, 19 Feb. 2026
Esther’s concealment is not cowardice.
—Rabbi Bruce D. Forman, Sun Sentinel, 17 Feb. 2026
Courage lies somewhere between cowardice and recklessness, generosity between stinginess and extravagance.
—Dhruv Khullar, New Yorker, 9 Feb. 2026
This ethic has been especially true in the renowned Sports section, which was killed in a Zoom announcement notable for its belly-wriggling cowardice and self-owning incompetence.
—Sally Jenkins, The Atlantic, 5 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for cowardice
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Literary Hub, 19 Feb. 2026
Esther’s concealment is not cowardice.
—Rabbi Bruce D. Forman, Sun Sentinel, 17 Feb. 2026
Courage lies somewhere between cowardice and recklessness, generosity between stinginess and extravagance.
—Dhruv Khullar, New Yorker, 9 Feb. 2026
This ethic has been especially true in the renowned Sports section, which was killed in a Zoom announcement notable for its belly-wriggling cowardice and self-owning incompetence.
—Sally Jenkins, The Atlantic, 5 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for cowardice
Cite this Entry
“Cowardice.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cowardice. Accessed 26 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
cowardice
noun
cow·ard·ice
ˈkau̇(-ə)rd-əs
: lack of courage to face danger : shameful fear
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