cowardly
/ˈkaʊədli/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈkaʊərdli/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈkau̇(-ə)rd-lē/ (ame, mw)
cowardly — adjective
- cowardlypositive
- more cowardlycomparative
- most cowardlysuperlative
1. If you describe a person as cowardly, you mean they show no bravery and will not
If you describe a person as cowardly, you mean they show no bravery and will not face situations that involve risk, hardship, or the chance of getting hurt. Such a person typically runs away from threats or avoids taking a stand when doing so would require courage.
Iker was too cowardly to tell his boss about the mistake in the report.
too cowardly to [infinitive]
A cowardly general might send soldiers into battle but refuse to fight himself.
The cowardly thief ran away the moment the security guard turned the corner.
Eli called his teammate cowardly for refusing to speak up during the meeting.
No one respected the captain after his cowardly decision to abandon the ship.
- brave
The direct opposite — willing to face danger or pain.
- courageous
More formal than 'brave'; suggests deliberate choice to face fear.
文法句型
cowardly + noun (person)
too cowardly to + infinitive
be cowardly of someone to + infinitive
用法筆記
Only used for people, not animals. An animal that runs from danger is 'timid' or 'fearful'; calling it 'cowardly' applies a moral judgment that does not fit animal behaviour.
常見錯誤
2. A cowardly action or behaviour shows a complete lack of bravery on the part of t
A cowardly action or behaviour shows a complete lack of bravery on the part of the person who does it. Such acts are often done secretly, from a safe distance, or against people who are unable to defend themselves, making the action seem unfair and mean.
Spreading anonymous lies about a coworker online is a cowardly act.
cowardly act / attack / behaviour
The graffiti on the school wall was a cowardly attack on a teacher everyone respected.
Tamás thought it was cowardly to laugh at a classmate who had just fallen and hurt himself.
Kemi called the vandalism a cowardly way of expressing anger without facing the consequences.
- dishonorable
Focuses on the loss of personal honour rather than on fear.
- contemptible
Stronger; emphasises that the action deserves deep disapproval.
- low
Informal; suggests unfairness, meanness, or a dirty trick.
文法句型
cowardly + noun (act / attack / thing)
it is cowardly to + infinitive
a cowardly thing to do
用法筆記
Common in news reports and political statements to condemn violent attacks, especially those targeting civilians or vulnerable groups ('a cowardly terrorist attack,' 'a cowardly act of violence').
常見錯誤
cowardly — adverb
1. If you say that someone acts cowardly, you mean that their behaviour shows no br
If you say that someone acts cowardly, you mean that their behaviour shows no bravery. They typically avoid direct confrontation, run from responsibility, or take unfair advantage of someone who is weaker or less protected.
The official cowardly refused to answer the reporter's questions about the missing funds.
cowardly + verb of avoidance
Piotr cowardly blamed his teammate for the loss, even though the mistake was his own.
Ravindra cowardly crept out the back door when he saw his angry neighbour approaching.
Salma cowardly deleted the incriminating email instead of admitting her mistake.
- timidly
Less morally charged; suggests hesitation or shyness rather than deliberate avoidance.
- spinelessly
Informal; carries the same insulting tone as the adjective.
文法句型
cowardly + verb of avoidance or unfair action
verb + in a cowardly way / manner (alternative construction)
用法筆記
The adverb form is less frequent than the adjective. In everyday speech, the phrase 'in a cowardly way' or 'in a cowardly manner' is more natural than the single-word adverb. The single-word form appears mostly in formal or literary writing.