pusillanimous

[ pyoo-suh-lan-uh-muhs ]

adjective

1. lacking courage or resolution; cowardly; faint-hearted; timid.

   Synonyms: frightened, fearful, timorous

2. proceeding from or indicating a cowardly spirit.

pusillanimous

/ ˌpjuːsɪləˈnɪmɪtɪ; ˌpjuːsɪˈlænɪməs /

adjective

1. characterized by a lack of courage or determination

Derived Forms

• pusillanimity, noun
• ˌpusilˈlanimously, adverb

Other Words From

• pusil·lani·mous·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of pusillanimous¹

1580–90; < Late Latin pusillanimis petty-spirited, equivalent to Latin pusill ( us ) very small, petty + -anim ( is ) -spirited, -minded ( anim ( us ) spirit + -is adj. suffix); -ous

Word History and Origins

Origin of pusillanimous¹

C16: from Late Latin pusillanimis from Latin pusillus weak + animus courage

Example Sentences

"It’s an unfortunate lost opportunity that speaks to the pusillanimous nature of Hollywood these days."

From Salon

The vice president had a reputation for being President Nixon’s attack dog and skewering political opponents as “nattering nabobs of negativism,” “vicars of vacillation” and “pusillanimous pussyfooters.”

From Seattle Times

Donald Trump is that man; a power-craving hunter-gatherer con artist out to stake his claim as a modern-day potentate while imbued with the pusillanimous power of a puff pastry.

From Salon

This is a remarkably pusillanimous way of framing the case.

From Los Angeles Times

Did he gouge out the eyes of the pusillanimous Emperor Michael V?

From Washington Post