complete coward

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "complete coward" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is perceived as being excessively afraid or lacking in courage. Example: "He backed out of the challenge at the last minute, proving to everyone that he was a complete coward."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Complete coward.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

At one point during the hearing, the judge called them "complete cowards".

Los Angeles Times

The other GOP candidates are being exposed as complete cowards when it comes to reacting to Trump's grand "ship them all home" plan.

Huffington Post

During the dance, I fell over, and to complete Noël Coward's holy trinity of things to avoid, I actually walked into a piece of scenery during my last entrance.

The New York Times

*And downtown, another suite story: casting is complete for "Noel Coward Suite in Two Keys".

The New York Times

Coward completed a one-act satire, The Better Half, about a man's relationship with two women.

Wikipedia

You left DC as one of the worst Speakers in history, a coward, a complete fraud and an ever worse being.🖕.

Huffington Post

hotelkanra.jp; (81-75) 344-3815 Shanghai Fairmont Peace Hotel Built in 1929 as the Cathay Hotel, this Bund landmark was the social center for Westerners in Shanghai in the 1930s, including the playwright Noël Coward, who completed "Private Lives" there.

The New York Times - Travel

I've long been intrigued by the man so often vilified as the coward, if not the complete villain, of the piece... J. Bruce Ismay.

Huffington Post

He's now a thief, a bully and a coward, but still protests that he acted with complete sincerity.

The Guardian - Film

The document shows that the agency had almost complete contempt for the man it was empowering, Shah Mohammed Reza Pahlevi, whom it derided as a vacillating coward.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Employ the phrase to vividly depict a character's lack of bravery in literature, adding depth and nuance to their personality.

Common error

Avoid using "complete coward" in professional or academic writing, as it can come across as overly harsh or informal. Opt for more nuanced and respectful language to critique someone's actions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "complete coward" functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "complete" intensifies the noun "coward". It serves to label someone as entirely lacking in courage. This aligns with Ludwig AI's validation of its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Academia

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

10%

Social Media

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "complete coward" is a grammatically correct phrase used to express strong disapproval of someone's lack of courage. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. While its usage frequency is rare, it appears in various contexts, including news, media, and academic writing. When using this phrase, consider the formality of the situation and whether a more nuanced expression might be appropriate. Alternatives like "total coward" or "utter coward" offer similar meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

total coward

Emphasizes the entirety of the cowardice.

utter coward

Stresses the absolute nature of the cowardice.

absolute coward

Highlights the definitive quality of the cowardice.

thorough coward

Suggests a complete and pervasive lack of courage.

arrant coward

Implies a notorious or blatant display of cowardice.

certified coward

Humorously suggests the cowardice is confirmed or official.

dyed-in-the-wool coward

Indicates a deeply ingrained and unchanging cowardice.

unmitigated coward

Highlights the lack of any redeeming qualities to offset the cowardice.

out-and-out coward

Emphasizes the undeniable and obvious nature of the cowardice.

consummate coward

Implies a high degree or perfect example of cowardice.

FAQs

How can I use "complete coward" in a sentence?

You can use "complete coward" to describe someone who avoids confrontation or lacks courage. For example, "He refused to stand up for his beliefs, proving himself a complete coward."

What are some alternatives to "complete coward"?

Alternatives include "total coward", "utter coward", or "spineless", depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "complete coward"?

Yes, "complete coward" is grammatically correct as it uses the adjective "complete" to modify the noun "coward".

What's the difference between "complete coward" and "absolute coward"?

Both "complete coward" and "absolute coward" emphasize the extent of cowardice, but "absolute coward" might suggest a more extreme or undeniable level of fear.