cowardly
Quick to flee
Cowardly describes behavior that lacks courage, especially when fear leads someone to avoid danger or difficulty at the expense of honor or duty.
A cowardly attack targets the defenseless.
A cowardly response is to run rather than face consequences.
The word carries moral judgment—not just fearful, but shamefully so.
Lacking courage or determination
- gutlessLacking bravery or nerve
- chickenheartedLacking bravery or nerve
- lily-liveredWeak and easily frightened
- yellow-belliedEasily frightened, timid
spineless · weak-kneed · fainthearted · poltroon · recreant · unheroic · milksop · white-livered
Experiencing dread or worry
- frightenedExperiencing sudden fear
- scaredFeeling fear or alarm
- terrifiedExtremely frightened
- panickedOverwhelmed by sudden fear
alarmed · petrified · horrified · spooked · startled · daunted · apprehensive · anxious
Reserved and retiring
- bashfulUncomfortably self-conscious
- hesitantSlow to act
- meekHumbly unassertive
- diffidentLacking self-assurance
timorous · mousy · retiring · unassertive · sheepish · skittish · withdrawn · tentative
Avoiding direct response
- dodgingAvoiding by moving aside
- shirkingAvoiding obligatory tasks
- fleeingRapid escape from danger
- retreatingMoving back from advance
skulking · hiding · running · escaping · ducking · sidestepping · withdrawing · deserting
Yielding to others' wishes
- docileEasily controlled or taught
- yieldingBending under pressure
- acquiescentAccepting without resistance
- deferentialShowing humble submission
obedient · passive · pliable · biddable · subdued · tame · unresisting · capitulating
pusillanimous
Lacking courage or determination
- gutlessLacking bravery or nerve
- chickenheartedLacking bravery or nerve
- lily-liveredWeak and easily frightened
yellow-bellied · spineless · weak-kneed · fainthearted · poltroon · recreant · unheroic · milksop · white-livered · base
afraid
Experiencing dread or worry
- frightenedExperiencing sudden fear
- scaredFeeling fear or alarm
- terrifiedExtremely frightened
panicked · alarmed · petrified · horrified · spooked · startled · daunted · apprehensive · anxious · nervous
shy
Reserved and retiring
diffident · timorous · mousy · retiring · unassertive · sheepish · skittish · withdrawn · tentative · wary
evasive
Avoiding direct response
retreating · skulking · hiding · running · escaping · ducking · sidestepping · withdrawing · deserting · abandoning
compliant
Yielding to others' wishes
- docileEasily controlled or taught
- yieldingBending under pressure
- acquiescentAccepting without resistance
deferential · obedient · passive · pliable · biddable · subdued · tame · unresisting · capitulating · surrendering
cowardlybrave
Showing courage despite fear
courageous · fearless · valiant · bold · heroic
cowardlyprincipled
Having strong moral beliefs
resolute · steadfast · honorable · noble · chivalrous
- Cowardly LionTimorous big cat seeking bravery