cowardice

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cowardice" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a lack of courage or the quality of being cowardly in various contexts, such as discussions about bravery or moral character. Example: "His cowardice in the face of danger surprised everyone who knew him."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The Daily Mirror organised a man in a chicken costume to demonstrate against Cameron's cowardice.

The Guardian - Opinion

A Labour source said: "The cowardice of David Cameron is still preventing the head-to-head with Ed Miliband.

The Guardian

David Cameron has been accused of cowardice and the broadcasters of "bullying" and "sheer arrogance".

The Guardian

"One can only guess at the effect on the public if a mixture of threats, cowardice and clever procedural manoeuvring again denies them the chance to express their views on our membership of the European Union," he said.

The Guardian

Aside from his assault on the "anonymity and cowardice" of the critics, he dealt head-on with typical portrayals of Miliband as "remote, cerebral and weird".

The Guardian

It is a struggle against cowardice and conformism, and against everyone who would crush both truth and imagination into a cramped coffin of orthodoxy.

The Guardian - Opinion

Some might prefer Stephen Crane's 1895 The Red Badge of Courage, about a young soldier's attempt to overcome his cowardice and get the wound that will win him respect and a way out.

The Guardian - Books

SBS's reprehensible cowardice in the face of uproar from the political right is disastrous.

The Guardian - Opinion

But poverty was his natural enemy and he believed that to defeat it, it was necessary to confound the greed of the rich and the cowardice of politicians.

The Guardian - Opinion

The author of Ripley Bogle and Eureka Street, which the BBC later adopted into a television drama, had described Queen's University's decision last month to cancel the symposium as "not cowardice or surrender but part of one long defeat in an unfought war".

The Guardian

And throughout the series, from David Warner's unfortunate – and retracted – comments about seeing fear in Jonathan Trott's eyes, the vocabulary of timidity and cowardice has been the dominant motif of England's defeat.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "cowardice" to critique the behavior of people, parties and government institutions.

Common error

Don't automatically equate careful planning or strategic withdrawal with "cowardice". Cowardice implies a fear-driven inaction in the face of a moral or necessary action, while caution suggests prudence.

Linguistic Context

Noun. "Cowardice" functions primarily as a noun, referring to the lack of courage or bravery. Ludwig AI identifies its use in describing personal failings, political decisions, and societal trends, highlighting its role in assessing moral character and decision-making.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Formal & Business

19%

Science

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

4%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "cowardice" is a noun denoting a lack of courage, frequently used in news and media to criticize political decisions and personal failings. Ludwig AI affirms its correct usage in English, recommending its application when discussing ethical behavior and the moral implications of inaction. While caution should not be mistaken for "cowardice", understanding its specific connotation is crucial for accurate and impactful communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lack of courage

Focuses on the absence of courage, a key component of cowardice.

lack of bravery

Directly states the absence of bravery, the opposite of cowardice.

fearfulness

Highlights the state of being afraid, which often underlies cowardice.

pusillanimity

A more formal synonym referring to a lack of courage or resolution.

timidity

Emphasizes a lack of boldness or assertiveness.

faintheartedness

Describes a lack of courage or resolution, often due to fear.

chicken-heartedness

Highlights the lack of courage, equating it to the perceived timidity of a chicken.

spinelessness

Suggests a lack of moral courage or backbone.

yellow streak

An idiomatic expression indicating a tendency towards cowardice.

white feather

Symbolizes cowardice, particularly in a military context.

FAQs

How does "cowardice" differ from simply being cautious?

"Cowardice" implies a failure to act due to fear, particularly when action is morally required. Caution, on the other hand, involves careful planning and strategic decision-making to minimize risk, which may involve delaying action but not necessarily avoiding it due to fear.

What are some situations where calling someone's actions "cowardice" might be considered unfair?

It could be unfair if the person faced overwhelming odds, lacked necessary resources, or had legitimate reasons for prioritizing their safety or the safety of others. Accusations of "cowardice" should be reserved for situations where the primary motivation for inaction is clearly fear, not rational assessment or strategic consideration.

What are some alternative phrases to "cowardice" that might be more appropriate in certain contexts?

Depending on the nuance you want to convey, you could use phrases like "lack of courage", "fearfulness", "timidity", or "lack of bravery". The best choice will depend on the specific situation and the degree of negativity you want to express.

Is "cowardice" always a negative trait?

Generally, yes. "Cowardice" implies a failure to act in a situation where courage is expected or morally required. However, in some extreme situations, choosing not to act could be seen as self-preservation rather than "cowardice", though this is a highly debated perspective.