spineless
Without moral fortitude
Spineless literally describes creatures without a backbone—invertebrates like jellyfish or worms.
The figurative sense dominates: lacking courage or resolve, unwilling to stand up for oneself or others.
He was too spineless to confront his boss.
A spineless politician caves to pressure rather than defending principles.
Lacking bravery or nerve
- weak-kneedLacking resolve or courage
- cravenContemptibly lacking nerve
- faintheartedCowardly, easily discouraged
- pusillanimousLacking courage or determination
timid · cowardly · chicken · yellow · meek · wimpish · fearful · dastardly
Drifting marine stinger
- wormLimbless soil invertebrate
- slugNaked terrestrial mollusk
- octopusEight-limbed sea mollusk
- squidTen-armed marine mollusk
mollusk · annelid · arthropod · crustacean · nematode · cnidarian · echinoderm · sponge
Timid, weak person
- wimpTimid, feeble person
- cowardPerson lacking bravery
- pushoverEasily defeated opponent
- doormatEntry rug for wiping
weakling · pantywaist · fraidy-cat · scaredy-cat · chicken · yellow-belly · nebbish · wet blanket
gutless
Lacking bravery or nerve
- weak-kneedLacking resolve or courage
- cravenContemptibly lacking nerve
- faintheartedCowardly, easily discouraged
pusillanimous · timid · cowardly · chicken · yellow · meek · wimpish · fearful · dastardly · milksop
jellyfish
Drifting marine stinger
squid · mollusk · annelid · arthropod · crustacean · nematode · cnidarian · echinoderm · sponge · coral
wuss
Timid, weak person
doormat · weakling · pantywaist · fraidy-cat · scaredy-cat · chicken · yellow-belly · nebbish · wet blanket · namby-pamby
floppy
Lacking rigidity, bending easily
saggy · soft · boneless · rubbery · slack · lank · loose · bendable · pliable · collapsible
spinelessbrave
Showing courage despite fear
courageous · bold · fearless · valiant · gutsy
spinelessresolute
Fixed in purpose
strong-willed · firm · steadfast · determined · stalwart
- spineless personOne lacking courage