pusillanimous

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'pusillanimous' is correct and usable in written English.
It means lacking in courage and resolution, cowardly. Example sentence: His pusillanimous attitude prevented him from speaking out against injustice.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And so far, both Germany's chancellor, Gerhard Schröder, and France's prime minister, Jean-Pierre Raffarin, deserve plaudits, as well as prods to do more.In France it would certainly be worth a few weeks of chaos if the outcome were to be victory in the battle over pension reform, without too many concessions; and Mr Raffarin's record is more hopeful than the hitherto pusillanimous Mr Schröder's.

The Economist

I quote: Pusillanimous.

The New Yorker

Although their predicament has not been helped by pusillanimous ministers, they have not covered themselves in glory.

The Guardian

It is a pusillanimous, jargon-ridden, self-perpetuating proof of Parkinson's law.

The Guardian - Opinion

And Indonesia is the regional giant.It would be wrong, however, to think that regional diplomacy is as pusillanimous and Indonesian environmental hooliganism as unchecked as in 1997.

The Economist

But perhaps the more important point is that with unions on the back foot, there could be more room for reform in France than pusillanimous politicians think.

The Economist

If they grow frustrated, they could turn again against the new order.Meanwhile Mr Maliki, no longer considered weak and pusillanimous, has continued to strengthen his own position.

The Economist

The 50% rate was a badge of honour that distinguished the Lib Dems from pusillanimous Labour and wicked Tories.Had Mr Kennedy, with his hands-off style, still been leader, there is little doubt that the tax package would have been voted down.

The Economist

She wanted them to know that neither she nor Mr Díaz would ever get out alive.For years, Ms Díaz staged demonstrations, petitioned the pusillanimous courts and badgered officials.

The Economist

If true, the government was more than merely pusillanimous when it dropped the investigation.According to the Guardian, BAE drew the money from an account at the Bank of England, where it was deposited as part of a deal in which Saudi oil was sold in return for Tornado aircraft and various arms.

The Economist

Mr Trichet has had a remarkable tenure: consistently delivering low inflation, deftly navigating the 2008 financial crisis, and holding the single currency together in the face of pusillanimous politicians (see article).

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "pusillanimous" when you want to express not only a lack of courage but also contempt for that lack of courage. It's stronger than simply saying someone is cowardly.

Common error

Avoid mistaking "pusillanimous" for similar-sounding words like 'pious' or 'anonymous'. Always double-check the spelling and ensure it accurately reflects the intended meaning of cowardice.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "pusillanimous" is as an adjective. It modifies nouns to describe someone or something exhibiting a lack of courage and resolution. As noted by Ludwig AI, this adjective often carries a negative connotation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Encyclopedias

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Academia

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "pusillanimous" is an adjective used to describe someone displaying a contemptible lack of courage. As indicated by Ludwig AI, the word is grammatically correct and commonly used in written English, particularly in News & Media and Encyclopedias. While synonyms like "cowardly" and "timid" exist, "pusillanimous" carries a stronger connotation of disdain. To use "pusillanimous" effectively, ensure you're not confusing it with similar-sounding words and understand its critical tone. The example sentences provided by Ludwig demonstrate its versatility in describing various scenarios where courage is lacking.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cowardly

Refers directly to a lack of courage in the face of danger or pain.

craven

Emphasizes extreme cowardice and a lack of honor.

fainthearted

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

spineless

Suggests a lack of moral courage or willpower.

gutless

An informal and often harsh term for lacking courage.

timid

Suggests a general shyness or lack of confidence, less severe than "pusillanimous".

weak-kneed

Implies a lack of resolve or firmness.

lily-livered

An informal term for cowardly, often used in a derogatory way.

chicken-hearted

Another informal synonym for cowardly, emphasizing fear.

unheroic

Highlights the absence of bravery or valor.

FAQs

How to use "pusillanimous" in a sentence?

You can use "pusillanimous" to describe someone or something that shows a lack of courage or resolution, like in the sentence, "The soldier deserted his troop in a "pusillanimous" manner."

What can I say instead of "pusillanimous"?

You can use alternatives like "cowardly", "timid", or "fainthearted" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "pusillanimous" or "cowardly"?

Both "pusillanimous" and "cowardly" describe a lack of courage, but "pusillanimous" implies contempt for that lack of courage, making it a stronger term.

What's the difference between "pusillanimous" and "timid"?

"Timid" suggests a general shyness or lack of confidence, while "pusillanimous" specifically indicates a lack of courage in the face of danger or pain. "Pusillanimous" is a stronger, more critical term.