adjective
pusillanimous
pyoo-sih-LAN-ih-mus/ˌpjuːsɪˈlænɪməs/
Showing a shameful lack of courage.
The pusillanimous man hides behind the calm woman to escape a tiny barking dog.
Etymology
The pieces describe a person as having a little or weak spirit. This image of insufficient inner courage gives pusillanimous its sense of cowardice or lack of firmness.
In context
… the bourgeoisie don't do what they're supposed to do they're too craven they're too pusillanimous
More examples
- She condemns the council's pusillanimous refusal to confront corruption.
- His pusillanimous silence leaves his friend to face the accusations alone.
- The editorial calls the governor's retreat a pusillanimous surrender.
Forms
pusillanimous
pusillanimity noun — Shameful lack of courage or resolve.
Similar words
- cowardly
- More common and direct; stresses fear of danger.
- craven
- Equally condemning; often emphasizes abject fear or servile submission.