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.
Because of Denise Gough's human frailty as a woman destroyed by her own ambition and Kyle Soller's cowardice in the face of a horrible truth. Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 23 July 2025 Reid rewarded that display of cowardice by deploying the nuclear option a few months later. Erick Erickson, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 July 2025 If McCain’s moment was about cementing legacy, Murkowski’s was about cowardice. Bill Goodykoontz, AZCentral.com, 3 July 2025 It’s been quite stunning and disappointing to see the cowardice among major businesses that in recent months have turned their back on diversity, equity and inclusion. Michael Schneider, Variety, 18 June 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 7 Aug. 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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