Word
coward
Phoneticscow·ard, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈkaʊɝd/
UK/kˈaʊəd/
Definitions
01a person lacking courage
B1 · Intermediate Countable noun
n. someone who is too afraid to do something difficult or dangerous.
n. a person who lacks courage in the face of danger, pain, or difficulty.
“He felt like a coward for not telling the truth when his friend was in trouble.”
“The political leader was accused of being a coward for refusing to debate his opponents in a public forum.”
Teaching tip
While 'coward' is a common noun, the adjective form is 'cowardly'. Learners often mistakenly use 'coward' as an adjective.
Synonyms
Antonyms
02cowardly
C1 · Advanced Literary
adj. lacking courage; afraid.
adj. demonstrating a lack of courage. This adjectival use is less common than the noun form in modern English.
“The king was a coward man who hid during the battle.”
“The poem describes a coward knight who fled the field before the first arrow was even loosed.”
Usage
Usually placed before the noun.
Teaching tip
In modern speech, 'cowardly' is the standard adjective; using 'coward' as an adjective sounds archaic or literary.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
Related words
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B1 · Intermediate
- Updated
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