cowardice
noun
cow·ard·ice
ˈkau̇(-ə)r-dəs 
dialectal -(ˌ)dīs
: lack of courage or firmness of purpose
soldiers accused of cowardice
Examples of cowardice in a Sentence
the cowardice shown by political leaders who were willing to give the Nazis whatever they wanted
Recent Examples on the Web
Trump had also accused NATO allies of cowardice over their reluctance to help open the strait.
—
Michael Loria, USA Today, 22 Mar. 2026
His first period piece, the film follows a Belgian soldier grappling with cowardice and heroism in the trenches of WWI.
—Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 18 Mar. 2026
But cowardice isn’t the mark of a virtuous university, either.
—Jonathan Zimmerman, Chicago Tribune, 15 Mar. 2026
My cowardice did, and didn’t, astound me.
—Han Ong, New Yorker, 15 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for cowardice
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Michael Loria, USA Today, 22 Mar. 2026
His first period piece, the film follows a Belgian soldier grappling with cowardice and heroism in the trenches of WWI.
—Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 18 Mar. 2026
But cowardice isn’t the mark of a virtuous university, either.
—Jonathan Zimmerman, Chicago Tribune, 15 Mar. 2026
My cowardice did, and didn’t, astound me.
—Han Ong, New Yorker, 15 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for cowardice
Cite this Entry
“Cowardice.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cowardice. Accessed 28 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
cowardice
noun
cow·ard·ice
ˈkau̇(-ə)rd-əs
: lack of courage to face danger : shameful fear
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