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Definition of cowardice

cowardice

/ˈkaʊ.ɚ.dɪs/
cow · ard · ice
Adjective:cowardly
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cowardice Lexical Profile

cowardice Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A lack of courage or resolution in the face of danger, difficulty, or opposition; ignoble fearfulness.

Example

"Speaking out against injustice requires resolve, whereas remaining silent out of convenience is often seen as moral cowardice."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for cowardice
Antonyms
View all antonyms for cowardice

• Nearby Words

covid
cow
coward
cowardice
cowardliness
cowardly
cowbell

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed from Old French coardise, derived from coard ('coward'), which traces back to Latin cauda ('tail')—alluding to an animal turning tail in flight or tucking its tail between its legs in fear.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Cowardice. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/cowardice
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