lacks courage

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lacks courage" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express that someone is not brave enough to do something. For example: "John is an ambitious person, but unfortunately he lacks courage to take risks."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

"A survey like this lacks courage.

The New York Times

"When I say he lacks courage, perhaps that's hurtful for one so sensitive," Mr. Sarkozy said.

The New York Times

The country is short of management skills, he says, is overtaxed and the government lacks courage.

The Economist

People don't mind being argued with, but nobody will vote for a party that lacks courage.

The Guardian

Recycling cliches is a sign that a film lacks freedom, lacks courage.

The Guardian

DECLARES CITY HAS FAILED New York Will Suffer, Says Ledoux, if It Lacks Courage to Remedy Conditions.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

"He lacked courage," was how Terim phrased it.

The New York Times - Sports

At the time, company was criticized for lacking courage.

The New York Times

As a result, they often lack courage and struggle with tough decisions.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Foreman was not lacking courage, fighting and limping, slipping and punching, until the end.

The New York Times - Sports

"They lacked courage," he said of the Americans in a 2002 HBO documentary, ":03 From Gold".

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Pair the phrase with intensifiers such as "conspicuously", "completely" or "utterly" to emphasize the severity of the observation.

Common error

Avoid using the phrase in a way that repeats the same sentiment unnecessarily, such as "the cowardly man lacks courage". Instead, let the verb phrase provide the primary description of the subject's character.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lacks courage" serves as a predicative verb phrase consisting of the transitive verb "lacks" and the abstract noun "courage". It functions to assign a specific deficiency of character to a subject. Ludwig AI confirms this as a grammatically standard construction in English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Social Media

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "lacks courage" is a potent and sophisticated way to describe a deficiency in bravery. Ludwig AI and various high-quality sources such as The New York Times and The Guardian demonstrate its widespread use in identifying institutional inertia or personal weakness. It is grammatically correct and carries a more analytical weight than simpler alternatives like "is scared". Whether used in a political context to criticize a government's hesitation or in a cinematic review to highlight a lack of creative risk, the phrase remains a staple of formal English writing. Its versatility and clear meaning make it an excellent choice for writers looking to provide sharp, authoritative critiques.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lacks backbone

Adds a more metaphorical and slightly more informal weight to the character flaw

lacks resolve

Focuses more on the absence of determination or firmness of purpose

lacks fortitude

Uses a more formal term for mental or emotional strength in facing adversity

lacks nerve

Implicitly refers to the ability to remain calm in a demanding or dangerous situation

lacks the guts

A much more informal and visceral way to express a lack of courage

lacks grit

Emphasizes the absence of perseverance and passion for long-term goals

lacks daring

Specifically denotes a lack of adventurous or risky spirit

lacks heart

Suggests a lack of spirit, enthusiasm or inner strength

lacks mettle

A literary alternative referring to a person's ability to cope well with difficulties

lacks audacity

Highlights a lack of willingness to take bold risks

FAQs

How to use "lacks courage" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe a person or an entity that is not brave enough to act. For example: "The committee "lacks courage" to make the necessary reforms."

What can I say instead of "lacks courage"?

Depending on the tone you want, you can use alternatives like "lacks backbone", "lacks resolve" or "lacks nerve".

Which is more formal, "is afraid" or "lacks courage"?

"lacks courage" is generally more formal and analytical than "is afraid", as it critiques a lack of a specific quality rather than describing a temporary emotional state.

Can "lacks courage" be used for inanimate objects?

Yes, it is often used metaphorically in creative criticism, such as saying a film "lacks artistic courage" if it relies too heavily on clichés.