gutless

USAGE SUMMARY

'gutless' is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it to describe a person or situation that is cowardly or lacking in courage. For example: "It was gutless of him to back out of the task at the last minute."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

As England's chief scourge throughout the Ashes, the sight of Johnson putting the frighteners on the world No1s was both a sort of relief – hey, maybe we weren't that gutless after all – and, if we're honest, weirdly cathartic.

The Guardian - Sport

Critics say Mr Obama is so keen on his "pivot" to a security policy focused on East Asia that he neglects the Middle East or that he is simply too gutless to act.The alternative is to see Mr Obama's position on the sidelines as a deliberate choice.

The Economist

He called the lawmakers "gutless cowards" for rejecting his attempt to eliminate one house of the legislature.

The Economist

From his programme, described by one of his potential liberal allies as "gutless and flabby", it is difficult to judge.

The Economist

But, against an admittedly gutless bunch of would-be regicides, he has clung on by his bitten fingernails.

The Economist

Hindus claim they are ignored, Jewish groups complain that coverage of the Middle East is anti-Israeli, while reporting of Muslims has been attacked in right-wing blogs as "gutless", with Thompson himself admitting "a growing nervousness about discussion about Islam".

Independent

The Spaniard, who crossed the line in 11th, vented his frustration over the team radio as he slid back down the field in his gutless Honda-powered McLaren.

Independent

But British television conmen – gutless, fearful of their own masters – decided that this father should not be allowed to show us the extent of his loss.

Independent

I am certainly not taking any flak from gutless politicians who claim that I am no fan or supporter of the NHS".

Independent

Eisenberg plays Simon James, a gutless, socially awkward office drone for whom even simple tasks such as ordering food or entering an elevator become a fraught challenge of hesitation and anxiety.

Independent

He is not the first player to struggle to recreate his club form at international level and the gutless management of Argentina boss Sergio Batista is not helping him one bit.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "gutless" to describe actions or decisions, rather than directly labeling people. For example, instead of saying "He's gutless", say "His decision was gutless".

Common error

While "gutless" is a vivid term, it can be too informal for academic or professional contexts. Opt for more neutral alternatives like "lacking resolve" or "without courage" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The word "gutless" functions primarily as an adjective, modifying nouns to describe a lack of courage, resolve, or moral fiber. Ludwig examples demonstrate its usage to describe actions, decisions, or even objects, highlighting a deficiency in bravery or effectiveness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "gutless" functions as an adjective indicating a lack of courage or resolve. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is a correct and usable word, but its strong connotation warrants careful consideration of context and audience. While frequently used in news and media, as shown by Ludwig's examples, it is advisable to use more neutral terms in formal settings. Synonyms like "cowardly" and "spineless" offer similar meanings with varying degrees of intensity. When deploying the term, remember to focus on actions rather than directly labeling individuals for a more nuanced and respectful approach.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cowardly

A direct synonym, emphasizing a lack of courage in the face of danger or difficulty.

spineless

Suggests a lack of moral fiber or the inability to stand up for oneself or others.

weak-willed

Focuses on a lack of determination or resolve to follow through on actions or decisions.

lily-livered

An idiomatic expression for being fearful and lacking courage.

pusillanimous

A formal term indicating a lack of courage and resolution; timid.

fainthearted

Implies a lack of courage or enthusiasm; timid.

chicken-hearted

Similar to lily-livered, but less common; indicates fearfulness.

lacking courage

A straightforward description of the absence of bravery.

without resolve

Emphasizes the absence of firm determination or decision-making ability.

yellow-bellied

Another idiomatic term, implying cowardice.

FAQs

How can I use "gutless" in a sentence?

You can use "gutless" to describe someone or something lacking courage or determination. For example, "The "gutless decision" to withdraw troops undermined the entire operation".

What are some synonyms for "gutless"?

Synonyms for "gutless" include "cowardly", "spineless", and "weak-willed". The best alternative depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to call someone "gutless"?

Calling someone "gutless" is generally considered insulting and accusatory. It's often better to describe the specific action that lacked courage rather than directly labeling the person as "cowardly" or "gutless".

What is the difference between "gutless" and "cowardly"?

"Gutless" and "cowardly" are very similar, but "gutless" often carries a stronger sense of disappointment or betrayal. It suggests a failure to act when action was expected or needed.