lack of courage

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lack of courage" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use the phrase to talk about someone's lack of courage or bravery in a particular situation. For example: "She showed a lack of courage in the face of her fears."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"For that lack of courage, I apologize".

The New York Times

This is not for lack of courage.

The Guardian - Opinion

Not because of lack of courage.

The New York Times - Books

"There was a lack of courage.

The Guardian

It had nothing to do with a lack of courage.

The New York Times

Or lack of courage, or lack of public-spiritedness.

The New Yorker

A case of eternal optimism or just lack of courage?

The New York Times

But there's an explanation for that lack of courage.

The Guardian - Opinion

Lack of courage stymies positive change at all levels.

Harvard Business Review

"All that can stop us now is indecision and lack of courage," he said.

The New York Times - Health

"I don't know whether to blame it on hard times or lack of courage and leadership".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To enhance clarity, follow "lack of courage" with a specific explanation of the context or consequence, such as "a lack of courage in addressing the problem" or "a lack of courage that led to missed opportunities".

Common error

Be specific about what the "lack of courage" pertains to. Instead of saying someone has a "lack of courage", specify the situation or action where the courage was lacking. For instance, say "a lack of courage in confronting authority" instead of simply "a lack of courage."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lack of courage" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It typically acts as the subject or object of a sentence, describing the absence of bravery or willingness to act in a bold manner. This is supported by Ludwig examples showing its usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "lack of courage" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to denote the absence of bravery or willingness to act boldly. Ludwig AI confirms its validity in written English. This phrase appears most frequently in News & Media contexts, with a neutral register suitable for various communication styles. Related phrases include "cowardice" and "timidity", offering alternative ways to express the concept with slightly different nuances. When using "lack of courage", be specific about the context to avoid generalizations and enhance clarity. "Lack of courage" serves to express disappointment or concern when someone fails to act bravely, highlighting a deficiency that can lead to negative consequences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cowardice

This is a direct synonym, highlighting the absence of bravery.

timidity

This emphasizes a shy or hesitant approach due to fear.

fearfulness

This focuses on the presence of fear as the reason for inaction.

pusillanimity

This is a more formal synonym for being faint-hearted or lacking resolve.

spinelessness

This suggests a weakness of character and inability to stand up for oneself or others.

deficiency of valor

This is a more formal and literary way to express a lack of courage, highlighting the absence of heroic qualities.

want of nerve

This emphasizes the absence of boldness or daring.

failure of nerve

Highlights a specific instance where courage was absent when needed.

inability to be brave

This is a more descriptive phrase emphasizing the incapacity to act courageously.

absence of fortitude

This highlights the lack of mental and emotional strength in facing difficulty.

FAQs

What does "lack of courage" mean?

The phrase "lack of courage" refers to the absence of bravery, boldness, or willingness to face danger, pain, or uncertainty. It implies a deficiency in the ability to act bravely in a given situation.

What can I say instead of "lack of courage"?

You can use alternatives like "cowardice", "timidity", "fearfulness", or "pusillanimity" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

How to use "lack of courage" in a sentence?

You can use "lack of courage" to describe someone's inaction or hesitation in the face of a challenge. For example: "The project failed due to a lack of courage in addressing critical issues" or "His lack of courage prevented him from speaking up at the meeting."

Is "lack of courage" the same as "failure of nerve"?

While related, "lack of courage" is a general absence of bravery, whereas "failure of nerve" suggests a specific instance where someone lost their courage at a crucial moment. The latter implies a temporary lapse, while the former suggests a more consistent trait.