# craven

/ˈkɹeɪvən/ (US) · /kɹˈeɪvən/ (UK) · CEFR C2 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/craven
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Definition

extremely cowardly and lacking any courage. You use this to describe someone who is too afraid to do what is right or necessary.

For teachers: contemptibly lacking in courage; cowardly. Often used to describe a failure to act due to fear, especially in a moral or political context.

## Examples

- The leader's craven behavior disappointed his followers.
- The board made a craven decision to fire the whistleblower rather than face the public scandal.
- Historians often criticize the administration's craven refusal to intervene, suggesting that a more courageous stance might have prevented the ensuing humanitarian crisis.

## Usage notes

- Typically used as an attributive adjective before a noun to describe people, actions, or decisions.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.