Gutless Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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gutless

[ˈɡʌtləs ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

describing a person's behavior

Lacking courage or determination; cowardly.

Synonyms

cowardly, fearful, spineless, timid.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
gutless	Used to describe someone lacking courage or determination, often in situations where bravery is expected. It has a negative connotation. He was too gutless to stand up for his friend. Only a gutless person would run away from a challenge.
cowardly	This term is used when referring to someone who shows a lack of courage in facing danger, difficulty, or pain. It is often used in a more general sense and has a strongly negative connotation. Running away from the battle was a cowardly act. It's cowardly to betray your friends.
spineless	This term describes someone who lacks courage or willpower, often implying that they are easily swayed by others. It carries a negative connotation, highlighting weakness of character. He was too spineless to voice his own opinions. A spineless leader can't make tough decisions.
timid	Used to describe someone who is shy or lacking in self-confidence. It implies a gentle or cautious nature rather than a strong sense of fear. It typically has a softer connotation compared to other synonyms. She is too timid to speak in large groups. The timid child hid behind his mother.
fearful	Describes someone who is full of fear or easily frightened. It can be used in various situations where someone feels scared, without necessarily having the negative judgment on their character. She gave a fearful glance toward the dark alley. His fearful response to the loud noise was understandable.

Examples of usage

He was criticized for his gutless decision to walk away from the situation.
She was seen as gutless for not standing up for her beliefs.

^{Context #2 | Adjective}

describing an action or performance

Showing a lack of spirit or vigor; feeble.

Synonyms

feeble, ineffective, uninspired, weak.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
gutless	Used to describe someone who lacks courage or bravery. Often has a negative connotation. He was too gutless to confront his boss about the unfair treatment
feeble	Describes someone or something that is physically weak or lacks strength. Can also refer to ideas or arguments that are weak or unconvincing. After being sick for a week, she felt too feeble to get out of bed His feeble excuse didn't convince anyone
weak	Can describe a lack of physical strength, power, or effectiveness. Also used to refer to arguments, performances, or actions that are not strong or convincing. After the surgery, he felt weak and needed help to walk The team's defense was too weak to stop their opponents
ineffective	Refers to something that does not produce the intended result or is not successful. The new policy was ineffective in reducing traffic congestion Her attempts to fix the machine were ineffective
uninspired	Describes something that lacks creativity, excitement, or originality. Can be used for ideas, artistic works, or people. The movie was uninspired and predictable His uninspired speech failed to motivate the team

Examples of usage

The team's gutless performance disappointed their fans.
The movie received negative reviews for its gutless attempt at humor.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Pop Culture

The term has been used in various movies and literature to portray characters perceived as weak or cowardly, making it a common trope in storytelling.
In the animated series 'The Simpsons', the character C. Montgomery Burns famously refers to people as 'gutless', reinforcing its use in humor and satire.
Popular songs often highlight themes of bravery and cowardice, where phrases like 'gutless' may surface to describe someone who fails to act when it matters.

Psychology

The concept of being 'gutless' can tie into discussions concerning fear and anxiety, indicating a reluctance to confront challenging situations.
Psychologists associate gut feelings with intuition, where 'gutless' individuals may struggle to trust their instincts due to fear of failure.
The fear of judgment often makes people avoid taking risks, which can lead to being labeled as 'gutless' in societal contexts.

Literature

In classic literature, many characters labeled as 'gutless' represent themes of moral cowardice and highlight the importance of courage in contrast.
Shakespeare's works frequently explore cowardice; characters such as Macbeth wrestle with their 'gut' feeling versus ambition, playing out the inner conflict of bravery.
The notion of cowardice linked to 'gutlessness' can serve as a cautionary theme in numerous modern novels, emphasizing personal growth through overcoming fear.

Origin of 'gutless'

Main points about word origin

The term 'gutless' originated in the early 20th century, combining 'gut' (referring to intestines and regarded as the seat of emotions) with the suffix '-less', meaning 'without'.
In older English, 'gut' was associated with bravery or courage, suggesting that someone 'without' a gut is lacking in valor.
The phrase 'having guts' similarly indicates bravery, highlighting a linguistic connection between physical and moral courage.

The word 'gutless' originated in the early 20th century, combining 'gut' (referring to courage or determination) with the suffix '-less' to indicate a lack of these qualities. It has been used primarily in informal contexts to criticize someone's actions, behavior, or performance as lacking strength or courage.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #38,336, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.

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38333 demystified
38334 untidily
38335 minatory
38336 gutless
38337 unpolitical
38338 kitted
38339 pokey
...