Cowardly: meaning, definitions and examples

Describing someone's behavior as lacking courage in a morally judgmental way.

• His cowardly actions during the attack were criticized by everyone.
• The soldier was accused of being cowardly for not facing the enemy.

Describing someone who feels a lot of fear or anxiety, often in a general sense.

• She was fearful of the dark and never went out at night.
• The dog was fearful around strangers.

Describing someone as shy and lacking in self-confidence, often in social situations.

• The timid child hid behind his mother when strangers came to visit.
• Her voice was timid when she spoke in front of the class.

Criticizing someone for lacking the ability to stand up for themselves or others, with a connotation of weakness.

• He was too spineless to confront his boss about the unfair treatment.
• The politician was called spineless for avoiding the important vote.

Describes someone who lacks courage and avoids danger, often used negatively.

• He made a cowardly decision to abandon his team during the crisis

Indicates a strong feeling of fear, often involves physical or emotional trembling.

• She looked fearfully over her shoulder, afraid of being followed

Describes a shy or hesitant behavior, often without strong negative connotations.

• The child raised his hand timidly, unsure if he was allowed to speak