Word
cowardice
Phoneticscow·ardice
US/ˈkaʊɝdəs/
UK/kˈaʊədɪs/
Uncountable noun
Definition
n. a lack of courage when you are in a difficult or dangerous situation. It describes the behavior of someone who is too afraid to do what is right or necessary.
n. a lack of bravery or courage, especially when facing danger, pain, or a moral challenge. Often used to describe a failure to act due to fear.
Examples
“He was accused of cowardice for running away from the fight.”
“The politician's refusal to stand up for his beliefs was seen as an act of political cowardice by his supporters.”
“While some viewed his retreat as a strategic necessity, others condemned it as a display of cowardice that left his allies vulnerable to the advancing forces.”
Examples
simple
“He was accused of cowardice for running away from the fight.”
contextual
“The politician's refusal to stand up for his beliefs was seen as an act of political cowardice by his supporters.”
complex
“While some viewed his retreat as a strategic necessity, others condemned it as a display of cowardice that left his allies vulnerable to the advancing forces.”
Usage
Typically functions as an abstract noun; often paired with the verb 'show' or 'display'.
Real-World Examples
“For example, between the extremes of cowardice and foolhardiness lies bravery, between the extremes of the miser and spendthrift lies generosity.” “Kōichi is trapped in the moment of his ignominy and cowardice, unable to move on with his life because “my war isn’t over yet”.” Etymology
From Middle English cowardise, borrowed from Anglo-Norman cuardise (modern French couardise).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- 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.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL 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: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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