noun
cowardice
KOW-uh-dihs
Cowardice (noun) means a lack of courage; the quality of being too afraid to do what is right or necessary. Example: “His silence in the meeting was seen as an act of cowardice.”
noun
1
A lack of courage; the quality of being too afraid to do what is right or necessary.
"His silence in the meeting was seen as an act of cowardice."
"True cowardice is knowing what's right and doing nothing."
How to use cowardice
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe state or behavior of being a coward.
Common pairings
act of cowardice
accused of cowardice
moral cowardice
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Word forms
- Plural
- cowardices
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
His silence in the meeting was seen as an act of _____.
Etymology
It comes from Middle English cowardise, borrowed from Anglo-Norman cuardise (modern French couardise).
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for cowardice
See all rhymes for cowardice →Frequently asked questions
What does “cowardice” mean?
The word “cowardice” means a lack of courage; the quality of being too afraid to do what is right or necessary. In plain terms, the state or behavior of being a coward.
How do you pronounce “cowardice”?
“Cowardice” is pronounced KOW-uh-dihs (/ˈkaʊɚdɪs/ in IPA).
How do you use “cowardice” in a sentence?
Here is “cowardice” used in a sentence: “His silence in the meeting was seen as an act of cowardice.”
What is the opposite of “cowardice”?
The opposite of “cowardice” — its antonyms — is courage.
What part of speech is “cowardice”?
“Cowardice” is a noun.
