cowardly
word
/ˈkaʊɝdɫi/
/kˈaʊədli/
Definition
Describes someone who lacks courage and is afraid to face danger or difficulties. It means behaving in a weak or fearful way instead of being brave.
Usage & Nuances
Used mostly as criticism; it's a strong negative word. Often comes before nouns ("a cowardly act"). Not commonly used for minor fears, but for serious lack of courage.
Spanish: cobardePortuguese (BR): covardePortuguese (PT): cobardeChinese (Simplified): 懦弱的 - 胆小的Chinese (Traditional): 懦弱的 - 膽小的Hindi: कायरतापूर्णArabic: جبانBengali: কাপুরুষোচিতRussian: трусливыйJapanese: 臆病なVietnamese: hèn nhátKorean: 비겁한Turkish: korkakçaUrdu: بزدلانہIndonesian: penakut
Example Sentences
It was cowardly to run away from the problem.
basic
He made a cowardly excuse when asked to help.
basic
A cowardly person avoids dangerous situations.
basic
That was a pretty cowardly thing to do, honestly.
natural
Stop being so cowardly and just tell her the truth!
natural
Politicians should never make cowardly decisions just to avoid criticism.
natural