cowardly

cowardly — adjective

1. If you describe a person as cowardly, you mean they show no bravery and will not

1.adjectiveB2
Definition

If you describe a person as cowardly, you mean they show no bravery and will not face situations that involve risk, hardship, or the chance of getting hurt. Such a person typically runs away from threats or avoids taking a stand when doing so would require courage.

Example

Iker was too cowardly to tell his boss about the mistake in the report.

too cowardly to [infinitive]

A cowardly general might send soldiers into battle but refuse to fight himself.

Common collocations
  • too cowardly to + verb
  • a cowardly person / man / woman
  • cowardly behaviour
  • feel cowardly
Synonyms
  • timid

    Describes a shy or nervous personality rather than a moral failing; less severe than 'cowardly.'

  • spineless

    Informal; a stronger insult that implies total lack of moral backbone.

  • gutless

    Informal; similar to 'spineless' but even more direct and insulting.

Antonyms
  • brave

    The direct opposite — willing to face danger or pain.

  • courageous

    More formal than 'brave'; suggests deliberate choice to face fear.

Grammar Patterns

cowardly + noun (person)

too cowardly to + infinitive

be cowardly of someone to + infinitive

Usage Note

Only used for people, not animals. An animal that runs from danger is 'timid' or 'fearful'; calling it 'cowardly' applies a moral judgment that does not fit animal behaviour.

Common Mistakes

I felt too cowardly to go to the dentist.
I felt too scared to go to the dentist.
'cowardly' is a strong moral criticism; for ordinary fears, use 'scared' or 'nervous.'
The rabbit was cowardly and ran into the bushes.
The rabbit was timid and ran into the bushes.
Animals are described as 'timid' or 'shy,' not 'cowardly.'

2. A cowardly action or behaviour shows a complete lack of bravery on the part of t

2.adjectiveB2
Definition

A cowardly action or behaviour shows a complete lack of bravery on the part of the person who does it. Such acts are often done secretly, from a safe distance, or against people who are unable to defend themselves, making the action seem unfair and mean.

Example

Spreading anonymous lies about a coworker online is a cowardly act.

cowardly act / attack / behaviour

The graffiti on the school wall was a cowardly attack on a teacher everyone respected.

Common collocations
  • a cowardly attack
  • a cowardly act
  • cowardly behaviour
  • a cowardly thing to do
  • cowardly violence
Synonyms
  • dishonorable

    Focuses on the loss of personal honour rather than on fear.

  • contemptible

    Stronger; emphasises that the action deserves deep disapproval.

  • low

    Informal; suggests unfairness, meanness, or a dirty trick.

Antonyms
  • honorable

    Describes actions that deserve respect and moral approval.

  • noble

    Suggests actions motivated by high moral principles.

Grammar Patterns

cowardly + noun (act / attack / thing)

it is cowardly to + infinitive

a cowardly thing to do

Usage Note

Common in news reports and political statements to condemn violent attacks, especially those targeting civilians or vulnerable groups ('a cowardly terrorist attack,' 'a cowardly act of violence').

Common Mistakes

He said a cowardly lie to his parents.
He told a dishonest lie to his parents.
'Cowardly' is too strong for everyday dishonesty; save it for actions that involve exploiting someone's weakness or avoiding fair confrontation.

cowardly — adverb

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: adjective/1

All four words describe a lack of bravery, but they differ sharply in tone and use. 'Cowardly' is the standard adjective and carries a strong moral judgment — it implies that the person should have been braver and chose not to be. 'Timid' is much gentler and describes a shy, nervous personality rather than a moral failure; a timid child may simply be quiet and cautious. 'Spineless' and 'gutless' are both informal and insulting, with 'gutless' being the harsher of the two. You might call a politician spineless for failing to take a stand on an issue, but you would not use either word for a shy student. Choose 'cowardly' when you want to condemn a person's choice to avoid what they should have faced; choose 'timid' when the trait is personality, not a decision.

cowardly ↗timid ↗spinelessgutless

Common collocations

Nouns

  • a cowardly act
  • a cowardly attack
  • cowardly behaviour
  • a cowardly thing to do
  • a cowardly decision
  • a cowardly way

Phrases

  • be cowardly enough to + verb
  • it is cowardly of someone to + verb
  • a cowardly way of + verb-ing
  • too cowardly to + verb

Etymology

LatinOld FrenchMiddle EnglishEnglish

The word 'cowardly' traces back through Middle English to Old French 'cuard,' which combined the Latin 'cauda' (tail) with the suffix '-ard,' a negative agent suffix also seen in 'bastard' and 'drunkard.' The image is of an animal turning its tail and running away in fear — hence, someone who flees rather than faces a threat. The '-ly' suffix was added in Middle English to form both the adjective and the adverb.