spinelessness

1 the quality or state of lacking strength of will or character the spinelessness that the grown woman has shown in dealing with her overbearing mother Synonyms frailness, frailty, softness, weakness, wimpiness, wimpishness, wishy-washinessRelated Words collapse; failing, flaw, foible, peccadillo; evil, immorality, wickedness; corruption, corruptnessNear Antonyms discipline, self-discipline; goodness, integrity, morality, rectitude, righteousness, rightness, uprightness, virtuousnessAntonyms backbone, chutzpah (also chutzpa or hutzpah or hutzpa), firmness, fortitude, hardihood, mettle, moxie, nerve, resoluteness, strength, toughness

2 a shameful lack of courage in the face of danger charged the midshipman with sickening spinelessness under fire Synonyms cowardliness, cravenness, dastardliness, gutlessness, poltroonery, pusillanimity, cowardiceRelated Words diffidence, faintheartedness, fearfulness, timidity, timorousness; carefulness, cautiousness, wariness; bashfulness, shyness; feebleness, softness, weaknessNear Antonyms audacity, boldness, brazenness; backbone, fiber, fortitude, grit, gumption, mettle, pluck, spunk; determination, perseverance, resolution; endurance, stamina, tenacityAntonyms bravery, courage, courageousness, daring, dauntlessness, doughtiness, fearlessness, gallantry, greatheartedness, guts, hardihood, heart, heroism, intrepidity, intrepidness, nerve, stoutness, valiance, valor, virtue