spinelessness

/ˈspaɪn.ləs.nəs/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈspaɪn.ləs.nəs/ (ame, ipa)

spinelessness — noun

1. the habit of giving in out of fear instead of standing firm, speaking up, or tak

1.名詞C2
釋義

the habit of giving in out of fear instead of standing firm, speaking up, or taking a necessary risk

例句

Henry's spinelessness became obvious when he apologized to the bully.

possessive noun: someone's spinelessness

After one complaint, the principal showed spinelessness and dropped the new phone ban.

show spinelessness under pressure

同義詞
  • cowardice

    broader and often stronger, especially when danger or moral duty is involved

  • timidity

    milder and more about nervousness than blameworthy surrender

  • gutlessness

    very close in meaning but more informal and more openly insulting

  • weakness

    much broader and not always about failing to stand up to pressure

反義詞
  • courage

    readiness to face pressure, danger, or criticism without giving in

  • backbone

    informal noun for firmness and the willingness to stand up to others

  • resolve

    steady determination to keep to a decision or principle

文法句型

someone's spinelessness

show spinelessness

an act of spinelessness

用法筆記

Usually strongly disapproving. It is uncountable and is often used when someone yields to pressure or fails to defend a person, rule, or principle.

常見錯誤

❌The team saw three spinelessnesses from the captain that week.
✅The team saw three acts of spinelessness from the captain that week.
💡'spinelessness' is uncountable; count separate incidents with 'acts of spinelessness'.
❌Niko is a spinelessness when clients complain.
✅Niko is spineless when clients complain.' / 'Niko's behavior shows spinelessness.
💡the noun names the quality or behavior, not the person.